Shortly after the signing of a new comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased their strengthened ties by taking a ride in a Russian-made Aurus limousine. In a carefully orchestrated public relations display, Putin initially drove the car while Kim sat in the passenger seat, smiling. After a brief stop, they switched seats as a white-gloved aide opened the doors. Photos from the event suggested a genuine rapport between the two leaders, according to Robert Dover, a professor at the University of Hull.
The recent agreement, which includes a mutual defense pact, marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Eugene Rumer of the Carnegie Endowment described the embrace of Kim by Putin as a logical extension of Putin’s actions in Ukraine, where he pursued victory at all costs. The new deal replaces a previous treaty signed in 2000 and mirrors a 1961 agreement between the two countries.
In addition to the defense pact, the agreement covers cooperation in healthcare, education, and science, as well as plans for a road bridge. North Korean state media released the full text of the deal, with Kim referring to Russia as his country’s most honest friend and ally. Putin, while describing the agreement as a breakthrough, emphasized the desire to elevate the relationship to a new level.
The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. Some analysts see the agreement as part of a broader alignment against the US and the established international order. However, others view the relationship between Russia and North Korea as primarily driven by mutual interests, subject to change based on geopolitical circumstances.
China’s role in the evolving dynamics between Russia, North Korea, and itself is also significant. While China remains North Korea’s major ally, it has also deepened ties with Russia. The emphasis on bilateral relationships underscores the complexities of the shifting power dynamics in the region. As China seeks to maintain a balance in its relationships with various countries, including the US, Japan, and South Korea, the formation of an anti-Western bloc led by Russia and China is becoming more apparent.