A new mutual-defense pact has been signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, committing each country to come to the other's aid if attacked. The specifics of when this assistance would be provided remain unclear, possibly intentionally so to deter potential aggressors. The pact states that assistance will be given in the event of aggression against either party, with obligations to deploy all available means for military and other assistance.
Experts note that this agreement mirrors a previous pact between the Soviet Union and North Korea from 1961, which was never activated. Mutual defense pacts are common but rarely invoked, serving more as a deterrent against aggression. The global community has expressed concerns over this new pact between two nuclear-armed and unpredictable leaders.
