Vladimir Putin thanks North Korea for support ahead of Kim Jong Un summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for supporting his actions in Ukraine and said their countries will co-operate closely to overcome US-led sanctions as he headed to Pyongyang on Tuesday for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Mr Putin’s comments appeared in North Korean state media hours before he was expected to arrive for a two-day visit as the countries deepen their alignment in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with Washington.