North Korean leader Kim welcomes Russia's Putin at official ceremony in Pyongyang

Russian President Vladimir Putin received an official welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang's main square Wednesday before beginning his summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korean state media described the meeting as a historic event that demonstrates the “invincibility and durability” of the two nations’ friendship and unity. Putin arrived in Pyongyang early Wednesday, after he said the two countries want to cooperate closely to overcome U.S.-led sanctions in the face of intensifying confrontations with Washington. The visit comes amid growing concerns about an arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with munitions for the conflict in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers.