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.


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.


Metaculus Prediction


Public figures in this story


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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