During putin vist north korea what are the agreement signed between putin and north korea

 During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in June 2024, significant agreements were signed, leading to widespread speculation about their true extent and any potential "secret deals." While the publicly declared "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty outlines mutual assistance in the event of aggression, as well as cooperation in various fields, the opaque nature of the North Korean regime and Russia's increasing isolation due to the war in Ukraine have fueled concerns about undisclosed arrangements, particularly regarding military and technological cooperation.

The most prominent publicly announced agreement was the mutual defense pact, which commits both nations to provide immediate military and other assistance if either is attacked. This provision echoes a Cold War-era treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union, signaling a significant escalation in their bilateral relations and a direct challenge to the existing international security order. While the specifics of what "military and other assistance" entails remain open to interpretation, it suggests a deeper level of commitment than previous agreements. For North Korea, this pact provides a powerful security guarantee from a permanent UN Security Council member, potentially emboldening its stance against the US and its allies. For Russia, it secures a reliable source of much-needed weaponry and potentially manpower for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Indeed, reports from intelligence agencies and analysts suggest that beyond the publicly declared treaty, significant military cooperation is already underway and likely to deepen. North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and ballistic missiles, which have been used in the war in Ukraine. In return, there are strong indications that Russia is providing North Korea with advanced military technology, including assistance with its satellite and missile programs, and potentially even nuclear technology. Ukrainian intelligence services have reported that North Korea is sending tens of thousands of additional troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, building upon an initial deployment of around 15,000 soldiers. While North Korea and Russia initially did not acknowledge the presence of these troops, their subsequent statements in April 2025 confirmed the deployment. This exchange of military resources—North Korea's conventional arms and manpower for Russia's advanced technology—is a concerning development for global security and a clear circumvention of international sanctions against North Korea.

Furthermore, economic ties are also strengthening, likely with hidden facets. Russia is reportedly providing North Korea with financial benefits, diplomatic support, and increased food exports. There are accusations that Russia has unfrozen North Korean assets and is facilitating its access to the global financial system, directly violating UN sanctions. While the publicly acknowledged agreements include cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and cultural ties, the specifics of financial transactions and resource transfers are largely shrouded in secrecy. This covert economic support allows North Korea to mitigate the impact of international sanctions, while offering Russia a lifeline in its own sanctioned economy.

The international community, particularly the United States, South Korea, and Japan, has reacted with alarm to the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia. They view this partnership as a direct threat to regional stability and a challenge to global non-proliferation efforts. The mutual defense clause, coupled with the suspected secret deals on military and technological exchange, raises concerns about a potential "axis of impunity" that undermines international norms and security frameworks. While the full extent of any secret deals may never be publicly confirmed, the visible actions and statements from both Pyongyang and Moscow clearly indicate a strategic realignment aimed at bolstering their respective positions against Western influence and sanctions. The secrecy surrounding these arrangements only heightens concerns about their implications for future geopolitical developments.