Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly thanked North Korea for backing Moscow's war in Ukraine, delivering one of his clearest acknowledgements yet of Pyongyang's military role in the conflict. 'I would like once again to express my gratitude for the support provided to the special military operation we are conducting,' Putin said during a Kremlin meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.
The visit, which came without an obvious diplomatic occasion such as a regional summit or national anniversary, has intensified speculation that Choe may have been preparing the ground for another summit between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
