[Tee tiong huat]

‘Provocation, Blackmail and Military Threats’ – Ukraine at War Update for June 19. Putin in North Korea for first time in 24 years; Fighting rages in Vovchansk, dozens feared dead; US debt upticks on student loans, foreign aid; Is Russia bribing local kids to burn army vehicles?

Putin in North Korea for first time in 24 years; Fighting rages in Vovchansk.

‘Provocation, Blackmail and Military Threats’ Ukraine at War Update for June 19 and released by Pyongyang’s official 

Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (centre R) walking with Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre L) past an honor guard upon the latter’s arrival at Pyongyang International Airport in N.Korean capital. 

Just before dawn on Wednesday, President Putin touched down in the North Korean capital Pyongyang to meet with his ally Kim Jong Un, the Kremlin said. Video footage showed the two leaders on a red carpet along the tarmac, then leaving in their motorcades for Kumsusan State Guest House where Putin will be staying.


This 1st time Putin has visited N.Korea since 2000, shortly after he was first inaugurated as President. It also any country's leader's first state visit to North Korea since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pyongyang has denied Western accusations it has broken international sanctions & has supplied Moscow with weapons. However, Putin has many times expressed his gratitude for Kim’s support of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.