North Korea is ready to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 18, who is visiting for the first time in 24 years.
Preparations have been completed around Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, where the welcoming ceremony is expected, and at the Paekhwawon State Guesthouse, where Putin is expected to stay. Related promotions have been concentrated in the city. North Korea’s media conveyed the news of Putin’s visit to North Korea to the residents, saying, “We warmly welcome him.”
North Korea’s media, Rodong Sinmun, welcomed Putin with several commemorative articles, including a front-page editorial titled “We Warmly Welcome Our Ally Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.”
The media brightened the atmosphere by saying, “Welcoming the most precious friend of our friendly neighbors, Pyongyang is filled with joy and delight,” adding, “Our people warmly welcome Putin, who is coming with the friendship of the brave and righteous Russian people.” The media also emphasized solidarity against the U.S. and the West, saying, “This visit to our country has great significance in advancing the friendly relations between North Korea and Russia to a new high level,” continuing, “At this time, the people of North Korea and Russia are standing on the frontline of the stern struggle to defend independence, international justice, and peace.”
Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that a new structure had been installed in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 16, according to an analysis of high-resolution satellite photos taken by the private satellite company Planet Labs. The structure installed on the square’s east side is surrounded by a rectangular wall 50m wide and 10m high.
A white structure in front of the grandstand, presumed to be the stage for an orchestra performance, has been roofed, and the materials on the structures installed on both sides of the square have been somewhat tidied up.
On June 17, all planes in front of the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport building were moved in preparation for Putin’s visit to North Korea. This airport is located about 15.5 miles north of downtown Pyongyang and is a representative gateway to Pyongyang, also known as Pyongyang International Airport.
Putin is expected to depart for Pyongyang in the evening after finishing his schedule in Yakutsk, Far East Russia. The flight distance between Yakutsk and Pyongyang is about 3 hours.
The aircraft carrying Russian officials were expected to arrive in Pyongyang one after another. According to the aircraft tracking site Flightradar24, a plane of the same type as Putin’s private jet was confirmed to have entered Pyongyang on June 18.
A plane from the Russian airline Red Wings is scheduled to depart Abakan Airport in Russia at 3 PM and arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport around 9:15 PM.
The Russian Embassy in North Korea announced in the afternoon of June 18, “Pyongyang is ready to welcome Putin’s visit,” and revealed live views of Pyongyang.
According to the videos and pictures, banners with Putin’s face and Russian flags are hung everywhere on the streets of Pyongyang. North Korean residents and soldiers were captured preparing for events outside on the street.
A banner reading “Long live North Korea-Russia friendship and solidarity” was also seen on the road Putin is expected to use.
Several security guards and vehicles gathered at Pyongyang International Airport, and welcome banners that read “North Korea-Russia friendship will last forever” or “We warmly welcome President Putin of Russia” were installed everywhere.
Putin is scheduled to make a state visit to North Korea for two days starting today. This is his first visit to the country in 24 years, since 2000.