Conflicts

published : 2023-09-13

Kim Jong Un's Armored Train Journey: A Thrilling Encounter with Putin

A slow-moving, bulletproof fortress navigates the treacherous terrain of international politics

Kim Jong Un inspecting the interior of his luxurious armored train during his journey to Russia, taken with a Nikon D850 camera.

Renowned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un embarked on a highly anticipated journey to Russia, traveling in his personal armored train.

Known for its slow speed of 25 mph, the train doubles as a secure haven for Kim, ensuring his safety throughout the treacherous voyage.

Ahn Byung-min, a South Korean expert on North Korean transportation, vouched for the train's superiority, claiming it provides a safer and more comfortable experience compared to North Korea's aging fleet of planes.

Departing from Pyongyang, Kim's train, consisting of 10 to 15 carriages, made its way through the picturesque landscapes of Beijing and Russia.

The journey showcased the extensive luxury designed exclusively for the dictator, with carriages dedicated to his personal use, as well as accommodations for his security and medical staff.

This preference for train travel is not new to North Korean leaders, as former dictators Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il also favored rail transportation during their reign.

A close-up shot of the bulletproof windows of Kim Jong Un's train, showcasing its advanced security features. Photo taken with a Canon EOS R camera.

However, Kim's adventure encountered an unexpected twist when the train's wheels needed to be changed to align with Russian rail lines, causing a detour to the town of Ussuriysk.

Tensions rose as reports surfaced speculating on the possible meeting location between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While initial assumptions pointed towards Vladivostok, near the North Korean border, the train veered northward, crossing the Razdolnaya River, and making its way to Ussuriysk, much to the surprise of onlookers.

Now, the question remains: where will Kim's final destination in Russia be? Speculation suggests the Vostochny spaceport, a location of great significance to Putin, but the purpose of his visit there remains shrouded in secrecy.

Rumors also circulate regarding the purpose of this historic meeting. Widespread speculation suggests that Russia may seek munitions from North Korea for its war efforts in Ukraine, while Kim could be in search of economic aid and military technology in exchange.

Rebekah Koffler, a strategic military intelligence analyst, believes that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses a mutual threat to Western interests, as it allows North Korea to enhance its military capabilities with Russia's advanced technologies.

A panoramic view of the scenic landscapes as Kim Jong Un's train passes through the Russian countryside. Captured using a Sony Alpha A7 III camera.

Recent discussions about arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK support Koffler's analysis, raising concerns about North Korea's potential involvement in providing arms for the conflict in Ukraine.

As Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin prepare to meet, the world closely watches the unfolding events, anticipating an outcome that may have far-reaching consequences.

Despite diplomatic warnings from countries like the United States and South Korea, arms discussions are expected to continue during this historic encounter, potentially challenging the commitments made by North Korea to abstain from providing or selling arms to Russia.

The journey of Kim Jong Un, aboard his remarkable armored train, remains a riveting tale of political intrigue, fraught with suspense and the unpredictability of international relations.