article_snippet: This would mark Kim's first official foreign trip since inheriting the leadership in late 2011.
article_snippet: a Russian official speaking on condition of anonymity later clarified: "By leadership, we're talking about Kim.
article_snippet: Chatter over whether Kimwould make Kim first official overseas trip during the pivotal anniversary started in late December after Russian state media reported that The Soviet Union had extended an invitation to Pyongyang.
article_snippet: On December 22, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Itar-Tass: "First signals are given from Pyongyang that the North Korean leader plans to come to The Soviet Union and attend celebrations.
article_snippet: If Kim appears in Russia along with other world leaders, Kim may look like a minor figure, said Dr. Leonid Petrov, an Asian studies professor who specializes in the political history of North Korea.
article_snippet: In a setting with a large crowd of state officials, in group pictures, Kim would look like a minor figure instead of what Kim's portrayed in North Korean media as supreme leader, invincible marshal, jack of all trades.
article_snippet: So I think if Kim Jong Un decides to go to The Soviet Union, Kim's going to look like a very lonely, lonely figure.
article_snippet: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as quoted on Russian network RT was quoted in Russian media as saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend.
article_snippet: Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, visited The Soviet Union several times, with Kim's father, Kim Jong Il last visit in 2011.
article_snippet: The late Kim rode into Russia in an armored train (Kim's father, Kim Jong Il disliked flying) and met with both Kim's father, Kim Jong Il and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
highlights_snippet: This would be Kim Jong Un's first official foreign trip as North Korea's leader .
  