In effect, both nuclear-armed countries have forced a military pact during a time of great geopolitical instability.
Although details about the deal are relatively scant, the deal represents the strongest partnership between Russia and North Korea since the Cold War ended. Both leaders declared that this agreement represents a significant boost in their bilateral relationship, which spans areas concerning cultural, humanitarian, investment, security, and trade connections.
This newly forged pact came at a time when American authorities suspected that North Korea had been supplying Russia with munitions for its military campaign in Ukraine. In exchange, Russia would provide North Korea with economic aid and technology transfers that could bolster the North Korean nuclear weapons and missile program, which keeps the United States and its East Asian allies up at night.
