Putin, Kim Discuss Upcoming Trump Meeting in Phone Call, Russian State Media Says

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday to discuss a range of issues, including Putin’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Russian state-run media.

The call reportedly focused in part on the scheduled August 15 summit between Putin and Trump in Alaska, where the two leaders are expected to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Kim expressed support for the diplomatic talks, praising the direct engagement between Moscow and Washington, the reports said.

Russian media did not provide additional details about the conversation, but the phone call comes amid growing military and strategic cooperation between Russia and North Korea, raising concerns among Western officials.

The Alaska summit is seen as a rare opportunity to de-escalate tensions between Russia and the West, and could mark a significant step toward a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

GAROWE ONLINE