North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet soon to discuss potential arms deals, indicating closer ties between the two countries. Russia, facing isolation over the Ukraine war, sees value in North Korea, while North Korea benefits from Moscow's need for allies. North Korea has historically relied on Soviet aid, but relations have improved recently, with Russia opposing new sanctions on North Korea and publicly supporting Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Economic ties have also strengthened, with the resumption of train travel and oil exports between the two countries.