Putin and Kim Sign Mutual Defense Pact.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen laughing and taking turns driving each other around in a Russian-built limousine during Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years.

During the visit, North Korea and Russia signed a new defense pact, pledging to provide immediate military assistance to each other if attacked. This pact, signed against the backdrop of Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine, is the most significant agreement between the two nations in decades, echoing their 1961 Cold War-era mutual defense pledge. It also strengthens North Korea’s connection with a UN Security Council member.

On Wednesday, Putin presented Kim with an Aurus car, marking the second time he has given Kim this model, as reported by Russian state media. Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, mentioned that Putin also gifted Kim a tea set. In return, Kim presented Putin with a pair of native Pungsan hunting dogs, the same breed he had given to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018.

Putin’s visit highlighted the strong relations between Russia and North Korea, whose alignment has grown due to their shared animosity toward the West. Putin arrived in North Korea early Wednesday morning, exactly 24 years since his last visit to Pyongyang, amid international concerns over their military cooperation.

The two leaders announced a new strategic partnership, driven by Moscow’s need for weapons in its war in Ukraine. Kim expressed his “full support and solidarity” with Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, emphasizing the protection of its sovereignty, safety, and territorial stability. Putin praised the ties between their countries, describing them as based on “equality and mutual respect.”

The strengthening relationship has raised concerns in Seoul and Washington, not only over North Korea’s arms transfers to Russia but also the possibility of Moscow aiding Pyongyang’s heavily sanctioned weapons program with advanced military technology.

After his visit to North Korea, Putin traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, to boost economic ties with friendly nations amid Western isolation.