Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a partnership deal Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, that pledges mutual aid if either nation faces “aggression.” This pact proves to reflect the escalating tensions both countries have with Western countries like the United States. This deal may be the strongest connection between North Korea and Russia since the Cold War. They have strengthened ties relating to trade, security, culture, and humanitarianism.

Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years for this summit with Kim Jong Un. Putin described the pact as a “breakthrough document,” and Jong Un vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. As these leaders and nations foster a greater bond, the international community observes with varying perceptions. Western countries like the U.S. and Great Britain view this alliance as a threat. Russia and North Korea had large military complexes before vowing that they would help one another in times of conflict. Together, their military strength and success will only grow. This may prevent nations from making any acts of aggression against Russia or North Korea, though that may enable Putin and Kim Jong Un to carry out their imperialist endeavors. On the other hand, any conflicts against either nation will escalate drastically due to the now-vowed involvement of either allied nation.

This defense pact highlights the prevalence of militarism in modern international affairs. Although nations allying with one another can increase a feeling of connectedness across the world, it can also isolate regions or governments. Demilitarizing these powerful countries would allow for more possibilities of peace. The new agreement between Putin and Kim Jong Un does the opposite, guaranteeing the escalation of any conflicts against either Russia or North Korea. Peace seems much less likely, and surely not something North Korea or Russia is seeking, due to this defense pact.

North Korea and Russia have aligned with one another in the past. In 1961, the former Soviet Union and North Korea signed a treaty that necessitated Russian military intervention if North Korea was attacked. Following the collapse of the U.S.S.R., the deal was replaced by a weaker version in 2000. During the recent summit, Putin mentioned and commended the valuable ties between the Soviets and North Koreans during both World War II and the Korean War.

It is important to note that the details of Putin and Kim Jong Un’s agreement are fuzzy to the international community. There is uncertainty as to what “mutual assistance” means as well as what is considered to be an act of “aggression.”

The implications of this summit and its defense pact will continue to develop. For now, the allegiance of these two foreign powers worries the international community. For example, both Russia and North Korea have provided political cover and military equipment for one another in recent years. U.S. and South Korean officials have accused them of these actions that are violations of multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions. Following the summit, North Korea may seek to increase labor exports to Russia to get foreign currency, which also defies U.N. sanctions. There will additionally likely be discussions to increase agriculture, fishery, and mining to promote Russian tourism to North Korea. At the summit’s closing dinner, Kim toasted to the “immortality of the DPRK-Russia relations that are the envy of the world.” This strengthened relationship will, without a doubt, create waves across the world as foreign tensions and conflict grow.