Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed an agreement pledging mutual assistance in the event of “aggression” against either Russia or North Korea.
The Russian president made the announcement following talks with Mr. Kim during his lavish visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000.
Mr. Kim stated that the agreement elevates their relationship to “a new, high level of alliance.”
This pact solidifies a rapidly growing partnership that has concerned the West and could have significant global implications, according to observers.
A mutual defense treaty could potentially see Moscow assisting Pyongyang in any future conflict on the Korean peninsula, while North Korea could openly support Russia in its war on Ukraine.
Mr. Kim is already accused of supplying weapons to Russia, while Mr. Putin is believed to be providing space technology to North Korea to aid their missile program. The two leaders last met in Russia in September.
On Wednesday, they signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement” that includes a clause for “mutual assistance in the event of aggression” against either country, Mr. Putin said, without specifying what would constitute aggression.
In recent months, Mr. Putin has faced challenges on the battlefield in Ukraine, particularly with depleting weapon supplies. During their last meeting in September, when Mr. Kim visited Russia, they discussed military cooperation and were suspected of striking an arms deal. Since then, there is growing evidence that Russia has been using North Korean missiles in Ukraine.
Recently, the US and other NATO countries have allowed Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian soil, a significant move Kyiv hopes will turn the tide in its favor.
Mr. Putin warned of consequences and stated earlier this month that he was considering arming adversaries of the West with long-range weapons, something North Korea has been developing.
He criticized the West’s decision again on Wednesday, calling it “a gross violation” of international restrictions.
He also condemned Western sanctions on Russia and North Korea, asserting that they both “do not tolerate the language of blackmail and diktat” and would continue to counter the West’s use of “sanctions strangling” to maintain “hegemony.”
Mr Kim meanwhile praised their treaty as marking a significant and historic moment in their relation. He also expressed “full support and solidarity” for Russia in its war on Ukraine.
The treaty is likely to anger Seoul, which had ahead of the meeting warned Russia against going “beyond a certain point”.
National Security adviser Chang Ho-jin had told his Russian counterpart that Moscow “should take into consideration which among North Korea and South Korea will be more important to it, once Russia ends its war with Ukraine”.
Rachel Lee, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center’s Korea program, stated that any such treaty would have “significant implications for the region and the world.”
Beyond the potential for Russian intervention in a renewed conflict between the two Koreas, Lee noted that “if North Korea continues to supply weapons to Russia, and Russia provides advanced military technology to North Korea, we could face an even greater global weapons proliferation problem.”
Chad O’Carroll, a North Korean specialist from NK News, commented on X, formerly Twitter, that the clause might pave the way for conflict-related cooperation, including the possibility of North Korean soldiers aiding Russia in Ukraine.
Mr. Putin’s visit began with a delayed arrival in Pyongyang, touching down at around 03:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Upon disembarking, he was greeted by Mr. Kim with an embrace and a lavish red carpet welcome.
The Russian leader was transported to the Kumsusan guesthouse, the same residence used by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit. North Korean state media showcased the capital illuminated with streetlights and building lights, a striking image given the country’s chronic electricity shortages.
During the welcoming ceremony later on Wednesday, Mr. Putin was met with an elaborate display of enthusiastic devotion, meticulously choreographed and filled with North Korean propaganda imagery. Typical of the North Korean regime, the event featured hundreds of thousands of participants, many likely mandated to attend.
Escorted by police on motorbikes in perfect formation, Putin’s motorcade moved through the streets of Pyongyang, lined with people waving Russian flags, bouquets of flowers, and pictures of Mr. Putin. The crowd chanted “welcome Putin” and “North Korea-Russia friendship.”
At Kim Il Sung Square, named after the regime’s founder and Mr Kim’s grandfather, a crowd dressed in the two countries’ flag colours and evenly spaced out on the square waited for Mr Putin’s arrival. As he stepped out of his car, they cheered and released balloons into the sky.
Little children dressed in white, symbolizing the purity of North Korean society, greeted the Russian leader. Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim walked past rows of soldiers mounted on white stallions, a tribute to the horse Mr. Kim’s grandfather was said to have ridden while leading his army against the Japanese.
The two leaders then reviewed goose-stepping soldiers in front of towering portraits of themselves that adorned a nearby building, looming over the festivities below.
Later, Mr. Putin attended a gala concert and state reception with a banquet, featuring dishes such as cod shaped like a white flower, Korean noodles, and chicken soup with ginseng and pumpkin.
The festivities concluded with Mr. Putin departing late on Wednesday for Vietnam, but not before the two exchanged gifts. Mr. Putin presented Mr. Kim with a second luxury Aurus car, even taking him for a spin in it. The first car was given during Mr. Kim’s visit to Russia. Additionally, Mr. Putin gifted a ceremonial admiral’s dagger and a tea set. In return, Mr. Kim gave several works of art said to feature Mr. Putin’s likeness.
Mr. Putin last visited Pyongyang in 2000, just four months after taking power, to meet Mr. Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il.
Twenty-four years later, North Korea’s economy has been further crippled by international sanctions. Many observers believe Kim Jong Un requested crucial aid such as food, fuel, foreign currency, and technology from North Korea’s old ally. During Soviet times, Russia played a key role in supporting the Kim family regime.
During Mr. Kim’s visit to Russia last September, Mr. Putin promised to help North Korea develop its satellites after several failed launches. The US believes North Korea’s satellite program also aims to enhance its ballistic missile capabilities, given the similar technology.
Both leaders also stand to gain diplomatically and increase their soft power, note observers.
“They are trying to reduce the pain of international sanctions by creating an alternate network of friends and partners beyond the reach of US sanctions,” said Jeffrey Lewis, a director at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
This, in turn, bolsters the “multipolar” worldview that Russia, China, and other states are promoting as an alternative to the current international order led by the US and Western allies, analysts say.