Vladimir Putin heads to North Korea with war and weapons on the agenda
BBC NewsJUN 15 2024
Russia and North Korea Sign 'Peaceful and Defensive' Pact
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un (R) attend a welcoming ceremony on June 19, 2024 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Russian President Vladimir Putin is in North Korea for a two-day state visit. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
In a rare visit to North Korea — where he was greeted with cheering crowds, mounted soldiers, and the red carpet treatment on Wednesday morning — Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin was promised "full support" in his country's war with Ukraine by his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Un.
Putin thanked Kim for support in Ukraine and said that the two countries would work towards signing a comprehensive partnership agreement.
Unveiling the draft document in a face-to-face meeting with Kim, Putin said the agreement "will lay the foundation for our relations for a long-term perspective," adding that Russia and North Korea "have been linked by close friendship and good neighborliness for many decades."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine has left him so isolated on the world stage that he's been forced to make a deal with North Korea — a reclusive, nuclear-armed state — just so that he can continue supporting his invasion. This, in addition to the vow of mutual military aid, is deeply troubling and should be condemned.
Pro-Russia narrative
After years of cooperation and a good relationship, this agreement simply builds on what was there before. It calls upon the countries to not rest on their laurels, and build an even closer Russia-North Korea relationship going forward. This will have huge benefits for both — including in the spheres of security, trade, and investment, and will lead to an improvement of cultural ties.