Japan took a swipe on Russian President Vladimir Putin with a warning on Thursday not to violate United Nations resolutions banning arms deals with North Korea.

“We are watching (the talks) with concerns including the possibility that it could lead to violations of the Security Council’s ban on all arms-related material transactions with North Korea,” new Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa told reporters in Tokyo.

There has been widespread speculation that Putin is seeking arms from North Korea to use in his country’s war in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is visiting Far East Russia reportedly to seal a deal with Putin for the supply of munitions to be used against Ukraine.

In turn, Russia will help Pyongyang in its nuclear missile and satellite programs.

Putin has accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, Pyongyang’s state media said Thursday, as Kim wrapped up a rare trip to meet with his ally.

The isolated Kim, who seldom leaves his country and has not travelled since before the pandemic, had a “historic meeting and talks” with Putin on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency said.