Putin-Kim Meeting Preceded by Physical Altercation Between Security Details
VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA – A reported dispute over room temperature escalated into a physical altercation between security personnel accompanying Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un prior to their Wednesday meeting, according to reports from local media and The Chosun Daily.Sources indicate that a bodyguard assigned to Kim Jong un attempted to adjust the thermostat to 23 degrees Celsius. A member of Putin’s security detail immediately intervened, demanding the temperature remain at 20 degrees Celsius. Despite understanding the request, the North Korean bodyguard reportedly refused to concede.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a scuffle, ultimately resulting in the Russian security officer gaining control of the thermostat and setting the temperature to Putin’s preference.
The incident occurred shortly before the start of the hour-and-a-half-long meeting, during which Putin reportedly thanked Kim for North Korea’s support in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, specifically acknowledging the provision of soldiers and weaponry. Kim responded by pledging continued assistance, framing it as a ”brotherly duty.”
“I would like to emphasize that your warriors fought bravely and showed heroism. We will never forget the sacrifices of your armed forces and families of your soldiers,” Putin stated, according to reports.
