Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense agreement with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un during a summit in Pyongyang, marking a significant boost in military cooperation between the two countries. The treaty, which includes provisions for mutual assistance in case of aggression against either party, was hailed by Putin as a breakthrough document. The alliance between Russia and North Korea has strengthened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which isolated Putin on the global stage. The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of providing support to Russia in its war in Ukraine, raising concerns about further deliveries.
During the summit, Kim expressed full support for Russia over the war in Ukraine and called Putin the “dearest friend of the Korean people.” The two leaders discussed the possibility of military-technical cooperation in connection with the treaty that was signed. Putin praised North Korea for its support and solidarity, while also calling for a review of UN sanctions on the country. He emphasized the need to stand together against Western “blackmail” and U.S. hegemony, commending North Korea for its balanced position on Ukraine.
Putin’s visit to Pyongyang included a red carpet welcome and various gestures of friendship, such as gifting Kim a luxury car and visiting an Orthodox Church together. The summit marked the second meeting between the two leaders in a year, with Kim describing their ties as reaching “a new high of alliance.” The new treaty between Russia and North Korea is seen as a way to maintain peace and stability in the region, with both countries working together against U.S. hegemonism and neo-colonial practices.
Russia’s support for North Korea is viewed as a means to sabotage the sanctions regime around the country and complicate U.S. military planning in the region. The mutual support clause in the treaty serves as a reminder to the U.S. that Russia could make things difficult if it supports Ukraine too aggressively. The deal between Moscow and Pyongyang is expected to make U.S. military planning on the Korean Peninsula more complex. The visit was also seen as an opportunity for Putin to thank North Korea for its support during the invasion of Ukraine and to secure strategic space in Northeast Asia to counter U.S. influence.
Overall, the summit between Putin and Kim highlighted the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, with the signing of a mutual defense agreement. The two leaders expressed solidarity and support for each other, with Putin thanking Kim for his country’s assistance and calling for a review of UN sanctions. The treaty is expected to strengthen the alliance between Russia and North Korea, while also complicating U.S. military planning in the region. Putin’s visit to Pyongyang was seen as a strategic move to counter U.S. influence in Northeast Asia and maintain peace and stability in the region.
