North Korea rolls out the red carpet for Putin as West fears nuclear implications

• North Korean state media showed Vladimir Putin receiving a warm welcome from Kim Jong Un, in his first visit to Pyongyang in over 20 years.
• Experts and officials warn that North Korea would likely try to gain support for its nuclear weapons program in return for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was met with a grand reception in Pyongyang, North Korea on Wednesday amid concerns from Western officials about the two nuclear-armed countries' growing relationship.

North Korean state TV showed the two leaders warmly embracing on a red carpet outside Pyongyang International Airport after Putin landed around 2:45 a.m. local time, kicking off his first visit there in 24 years.

The state TV report showed the two leaders leaving in a car together as well as images of Pyongyang streets lined with flags, banners and posters promoting Putin and relations with Russia. 

During their initial meeting, the Russian and North Korean leaders shared their "pent-up inmost thoughts" and agreed to further develop their nations' relations, state media KCNA reported.

The official newspaper of North Korea's ruling party reported on Tuesday that Putin had praised Kim Jong Un's leadership and promised to help develop trade and strengthen security across Eurasia. The article added that he supports the DPRK's opposition to its "dangerous and aggressive" enemies.

Ahead of the trip, expected to last two days, Russian officials had also signaled that the countries could sign a "comprehensive strategic partnership" amid growing ties. 

Western countries — which heavily sanction both Russia and North Korea — have been closely monitoring developments of the visit and the potential ramifications for Russia's war in Ukraine