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Snapshot 4:Thu, Jun 20, 2024 6:58:41 AM GMT last edited by Adam

Russia and North Korea Sign 'Peaceful and Defensive' Pact

Russia and North Korea Sign 'Peaceful and Defensive' Pact

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 credit: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

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.

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.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that North Korea will have a McDonald's by June 2045, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0