President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un renewed a Cold War-era mutual defense pledge on Wednesday, strengthening their security ties amidst escalating tensions with the West. The details of the agreement, signed during Putin's visit to Pyongyang, have not been released, but it commits both nations to support each other against any "aggression."
Putin, during a joint briefing, described the pact as a response to the West's military support for Ukraine, while Kim hailed the agreement as elevating the two nations' relationship to an "alliance." Though specifics about military commitments remain unclear, the move signals potential increased cooperation between Russia and North Korea, especially concerning military and technological support.
The pact has raised alarms in Washington and among its allies, suggesting possible deeper North Korean involvement in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and heightened Russian assistance for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. This development could increase tensions in Asia, particularly with South Korea.
Putin’s trip to North Korea, his first in nearly 25 years, comes as Russia faces significant pressure from Western nations over its actions in Ukraine. The Kremlin has indicated that military-technical cooperation with North Korea is on the table, potentially aiding a military long restricted by international sanctions.
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