North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has canceled his planned visit to Moscow to attend Russia’s World War II anniversary celebrations on May 9, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said Thursday.

“He will not come. This is related to internal North Korean issues,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He added the message had been received “through diplomatic channels.”

The visit would have been Kim’s first overseas trip since he took power in 2011 after the death of his father.

Speculation had been rife that the Kim, in his early 30s, would make his debut on the international stage during the celebrations.

Russia had repeatedly confirmed Kim’s participation, albeit with no response from Pyongyang.

On Wednesday, South Korea’s spy agency also reported to the National Assembly that the visit was highly likely.

Preparations to welcome Kim were reportedly underway at the North Korean Embassy in Moscow.

From news reports