Kim Jong Un welcomes Putin in North Korea
NBCJUN 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 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.