Putin sees 'possibilities' for military co-operation with N Korea

MOSCOW, Sept 13 (AFP): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said there were "possibilities" for military co-operation with North Korea despite international sanctions, speaking in an interview with state television.

"There are certain limitations.... Within the framework of existing rules, there are possibilities that we take note of and we are discussing them," he said in an interview broadcast after his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un told President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday he was sure Russia would win a "great victory" over its enemies, as Ukraine's Western allies warned of a possible Russian arms agreement with North Korea.

Russia became a pariah in the West after launching full-scale hostilities in Ukraine last year and has looked to strengthen alliances with other hardline leaders ostracised by democratic countries.

"We are confident that the Russian army and people will win a great victory in the just fight to punish evil groups who pursue hegemony, expansion, and ambition," Kim told Putin, raising a toast during an official dinner following one-on-one talks.

Kim also praised the "heroic" Russian army in comments that news agencies sponsored by Moscow interpreted as relating specifically to Moscow's large-scale military operation in Ukraine.

Putin meanwhile praised "the future strengthening of cooperation and friendship between our countries," while hosting Kim at a Far East spaceport, and later told reporters he saw "possibilities" for military cooperation with North Korea.

He had earlier said Moscow could help Pyongyang build satellites and suggested the countries might also discuss military cooperation.

US officials and experts have said Russia is interested in buying North Korean ammunition to use in Ukraine. Both leaders affirmed historical ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. "We will always be with Russia," Kim said, according to footage broadcast on Russian TV.