North Korea and Russia have signed a mutual defense treaty, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un formalizing their close relations. The treaty includes a clause for mutual assistance in case of aggression, marking a significant change in Russian policy toward North Korea and potentially restoring a previously abolished defense treaty.
The partnership agreement elevates the relationship to the level of an alliance, although not all analysts are convinced. The move has surprised observers and is likely to unsettle Western leaders, as U.S. officials accuse North Korea of providing Russia with munitions for use in Ukraine.
Experts will closely examine the treaty details to determine the extent of the alliance. Despite the symbolic nature of the visit and the treaty signing, some question the actual level of support Russia would provide North Korea in case of conflict.
Putin’s late arrival in Pyongyang led to a warm greeting from Kim, followed by a grand welcoming ceremony. The leaders expressed mutual support for their respective policies, with Putin gifting Kim a luxury limousine before departing for Hanoi.