Washington, 5 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) — North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un is planning to travel to Russia to negotiate weapons supplies with President Vladimir Putin, the New York Times reported on Monday.

Moscow is concerned with securing supplies of weapons and ammunition for its war against Ukraine, the newspaper reported citing unnamed officials from the US and allied governments.

According to the Times report, the visit is to take place on the sidelines of an economic forum in Vladivostok, on the east coast of Russia, scheduled for September 10-13. The Washington Post also reported on the planned meeting.

Kim very rarely leaves North Korea, but could travel to Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast by armoured train for the meeting, the Times reported citing officials. However, it was also possible that Kim would travel to Moscow, the report said.

According to the Times, Putin is hoping for North Korean artillery shells and anti-tank weapons while Kim is said to be hoping for advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid.

As recently as Wednesday John Kirby, the US National Security Council spokesman, said US intelligence agencies had information about negotiations between the two countries over arms deliveries.

According to the report, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had recently travelled to North Korea to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia.

Since that visit, Putin and Kim have exchanged correspondence in which they pledged to expand their bilateral cooperation, Kirby said.

With the targeted arms deals, Russia would receive from North Korea "significant quantities and several types of ammunition that the Russian military intends to use in Ukraine," Kirby said at the time, adding that Washington is calling on North Korea to cease negotiations with Russia.