Putin touts Russia-North Korea relations ahead of Pyongyang arrival

SEOUL -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed ties with North Korea hours ahead of his arrival there on Tuesday, thanking it for supporting the war in Ukraine and stressing their common resistance to the U.S.

Putin was set to land in Pyongyang for the first time in almost 24 years for two days of talks. Official media in both countries on Monday announced the visit, which represents the latest sign of burgeoning cooperation between two heavily sanctioned states.