dexinwin MOSCOW, Sept. 25, 2026— Russia has officially invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit the country, but the timing and details of the trip have yet to be finalized, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
Rudenko confirmed the invitation in an interview with Russia's state-run TASS news agency on September 24, saying that Kim had been invited to visit Russia and that Moscow would be pleased to welcome the North Korean leader. He added that the dates of the visit would be agreed through diplomatic channels.
The announcement has renewed attention on the possibility of another meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin as relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have continued to deepen.
Russia Confirms the Invitation
Rudenko's remarks represent an official confirmation from the Russian side that an invitation to Kim remains active.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Russian deputy foreign minister said that details of the visit had not yet been determined and that the schedule would be coordinated through diplomatic channels.
Russia has previously extended invitations to Kim.
Putin invited Kim to visit Russia following their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. The Russian president also repeated the invitation when the two leaders met in China in September 2025 during events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Kim Has Visited Russia Twice
If the visit takes place, it would be Kim Jong Un's third trip to Russia.
Kim previously visited Russia in 2019 and again in September 2023. On both occasions, he met Putin in Russia's Far East rather than in Moscow.
During his 2023 visit, Kim met Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Amur region.
Kim has never visited Moscow, making the location of any future trip a subject of particular attention.
However, Russian officials have not yet confirmed whether Moscow will be included in the itinerary.
Relations Between Moscow and Pyongyang Have Deepened
The invitation comes amid a significant strengthening of relations between Russia and North Korea.
In June 2024, Putin visited Pyongyang, where Russia and North Korea signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The agreement established a broader framework for bilateral cooperation.
Since then, military cooperation between the two countries has attracted considerable international attention.
Yonhap reported that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened since North Korea deployed troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
The United States, South Korea and other countries have closely monitored the expansion of Russia-North Korea military and strategic cooperation.
Moscow and Pyongyang, meanwhile, have described their growing relationship as part of their bilateral strategic partnership.
North Korean Foreign Minister's Visit Raised Attention
The possibility of a Kim-Putin meeting has also attracted attention following North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui's visit to Russia in July.
Choe traveled to Russia at the invitation of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Her visit fueled speculation that preparations could be underway for a possible visit by Kim later in the year.
The latest statement from Moscow does not establish a specific timetable, however.
Russian officials have only confirmed that the invitation has been extended and that the schedule will be discussed through diplomatic channels.
Moscow Has Not Announced a Date
One of the most important points in the announcement is thatno specific date has been set.
Russian officials have not announced when Kim could travel to Russia, how long the visit might last or which cities he would visit.
The dates will be coordinated through diplomatic channels, according to Rudenko.
This means that reports suggesting a specific date or confirmed Moscow itinerary should be treated cautiously until they are officially announced by Russia or North Korea.
Possible Meeting With Putin Draws Attention
A future visit would provide another opportunity for Kim and Putin to meet face-to-face.
The two leaders most recently met in Beijing in September 2025 during China's commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
A new summit could potentially cover a broad range of bilateral issues, including economic cooperation, security and military relations, although neither side has released an official agenda for a future meeting.
The precise subjects of any talks will depend on the eventual schedule and arrangements agreed by Moscow and Pyongyang.
International Attention on the Russia-North Korea Relationship
The possibility of another Kim-Putin meeting comes at a time when the Russia-North Korea relationship is being closely watched internationally.
North Korea's military support for Russia's war in Ukraine has been a major focus of concern for the United States and its allies. At the same time, North Korea has continued to develop its missile and military capabilities.
Reuters reported earlier this month that North Korea has reaffirmed its nuclear deterrent and that its military cooperation with Russia has become an important element of its external relations.
Against this background, a visit by Kim to Russia could attract attention well beyond the two countries themselves.
Invitation Confirmed, Itinerary Still Pending
For now, the clearest fact is that Russia has formally invited Kim Jong Un to visit.
The invitation itself is not new—Putin has extended invitations on previous occasions—but the latest confirmation from Russia's deputy foreign minister puts the issue back in the spotlight.
The date, location and detailed agenda remain undecided and are expected to be coordinated through diplomatic channels.
Whether Kim ultimately travels to Russia, and whether the trip includes a first-ever visit to Moscow, will depend on the outcome of those discussions.
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