N. Korean leader will not attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations

With the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day coming up later this week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will not make it to the celebrations, Russia has confirmed.

Instead, leaders from 29 countries including China will travel to Russia for the celebrations.

Lee Seung-jae reports.

The Kremlin says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will not be attending Russia's celebration of Victory Day this week.

According to reports from Moscow,.. Yuri Ushakov, the foreign policy adviser to President Putin, said that Pyongyang will instead, be represented by its ambassador during the four-day celebrations.

Ushakov also said that North Korean troops will also not take part in the annual military parade scheduled for Friday in Moscow's Red Square.

Last week, Seoul's spy agency speculated that Kim would not travel to Russia for the Victory Day ceremonies, saying that there were no signs of security measures in preparation for a possible visit by the North's leader.

Instead, the National Intelligence Service said other high-level officials could visit Moscow for the event.

However, Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting Moscow for the 80th anniversary celebrations.

According to the Kremlin on Sunday, Xi will be in Russia from Wednesday to Saturday to join the Russian president during the ceremonies.

Russia's presidential office said the two leaders will sit down for talks during Xi's visit, to discuss "developing partnerships and strategic ties" on "issues on international and regional agendas."

It added that government officials and ministers of both countries were expected to sign several bilateral agreements.

Victory Day is a major holiday in Russia, commemorating the "victory" of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.

There had been speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would attend the celebrations this year, amid growing military ties between the two countries.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.