North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in the far east of Russia for a summit with President Vladimir Putin.

Arriving in an armored train at the Russian border station of Khasan, Kim was welcomed by officials with a traditional offering of bread and salt.

According to sources, Kim departed for Russia accompanied by key aides including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and veteran nuclear negotiator Choe Son Hui.

Kim is expected to project himself as a serious world player with his first meeting with the Russian leader and at the same time seeks assistance from a key ally to ease economic pressure brought on by U.S. and international sanctions.

Kim later arrived at Vladivostok, where he'll meet the Russian president, and aides were seen hurriedly cleaning the train as it pulled into the station.