The Significance of Russia and North Korea's New Defense Pact

Russia's deepening ties with North Korea are meant to draw U.S. attention and resources away from Ukraine by increasing the threat of conflict in another region. On June 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive bilateral strategic cooperation agreement that notably requires Moscow and Pyongyang to come to each other's aid in the event of ''aggression'' against either country. Both leaders described the agreement as a major upgrade to their relations, particularly their security ties, while also mentioning deepened trade, economic and humanitarian and cultural ties, as well as cooperation on nuclear energy, space exploration, and other topics....