North Korea has accepted an invitation for its leadership to attend World War II anniversary celebrations in Moscow, said a Russian official speaking on condition of anonymity.
But the Russians are waiting on Pyongyang to confirm whether Kim Jong Un will be the one making the May trip, which would mark his first foreign trip since inheriting the North Korean leadership in late 2011.
“The invitation was sent to Kim Jong Un. North Korea accepted the invitation. The leadership of North Korea is expected to take part in Victory Day celebrations in Moscow,” the official said.
It’s unclear if leadership means it will be Kim or other North Korean top officials.
The official said that the invitation was sent directly to Kim Jong Un, but the protocol would be for Pyongyang to make its own announcement. So far, North Korean state media has not issued any statement about the invitation.
This year’s Victory Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Chatter over whether Kim would make his first official overseas trip during the pivotal anniversary started in late December after Russian state media reported that Moscow had extended an invitation to Pyongyang.
On December 22, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Itar-Tass: “First signals are given from Pyongyang that the North Korean leader plans to come to Moscow and attend celebrations.”
Recently, Russia and North Korea have been fostering warmer relations.