North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome to strengthen strategic cooperation, amid concerns that North Korea may assist Russia with munitions for the war in Ukraine. The U.S. has warned against such arms deals. Analysts suggest Kim is using the summit to boost his international image and internal unity. North Korea's increased missile testing and the U.N. Security Council's inaction due to Russia and China's veto power are also discussed. The summit occurs as North Korea faces severe food shortages, with reports of starvation and suicide. Kim Jong Un's economic policies are criticized as failing, despite advances in nuclear development. The summit is seen as a message to North Koreans that Kim is working to improve the economy, despite sanctions and other challenges.