Vladimir Putin greets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in eastern Russia for planned meeting

Vladimir Putin greeted North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Russia's eastern Amur region early Wednesday, according to Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.

The two leaders met at the Vostochny cosmodrome for a rare, planned meeting addressing a potential arms deal to help resupply Moscow’s military, which has been drained by its war in Ukraine. Kim is expected to seek economic aid and military technology as part of the discussion.

A representative for the Kremlin told RIA Novosti the meeting will also include a "rich exchange of views" on ongoing affairs in the region and internationally as both countries escalate confrontations with the West.