Russia and North Korea have entered into a defensive pact that requires both nations to come to each other's defense in the event of a military threat without delay. The agreement, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un, has raised concerns among Western powers.
The pact states that if one of the two countries faces an armed invasion from another nation or nations, the other country will provide military and other assistance promptly by utilizing all available resources.
This agreement solidifies the emerging anti-West power bloc centered around Russia, with longstanding allies like Vietnam and China reaffirming their historical bonds. South Korean officials have expressed strong opposition to the pact, viewing it as a direct threat to their national security.
In response to the pact, South Korea is reportedly considering providing arms to Ukraine as a political retaliation. Kim Jong Un has seen the agreement as a significant achievement, as it strengthens his nation's international standing despite its poor human rights record.
As a gesture of goodwill, Kim Jong Un gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a breed native to North Korea. The two leaders were photographed playing with the dogs, showcasing their growing rapport.
During the visit, Putin and Kim also bonded over automobiles, taking turns driving an Aurus limousine manufactured in Russia. North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, was established in 1948 with influence from Soviet leader Josef Stalin.
The Kim family, known as the Mount Paektu bloodline, has ruled North Korea as a hereditary dictatorship since its founding by Kim Il Sung, a communist revolutionary. North Korea follows the state ideology of Juche, which combines elements of communism, a cult of personality, and fervent nationalism.
