Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a significant mutual defense agreement with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, today, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Pyongyang, North Korea, forming an "alliance" and marking a major shift in Russia's policy in Asia.

This move comes as the US and its allies monitor Russia's growing support for North Korea, the only country to test nuclear weapons this century.

During his first visit to Pyongyang since 2000, Putin tied Russia's closer ties with North Korea to Western support for Ukraine and hinted at potential military and technical cooperation with Pyongyang.

They signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" including mutual defense against aggression.

Putin criticized Western military aid to Ukraine and did not rule out military cooperation with North Korea. Kim praised Russia's strategic support for North Korea, a country established with Soviet backing in 1948.

The exact details of the pact were not disclosed, but it could shift the strategic balance in Northeast Asia, with Russia supporting North Korea, which faces US-backed South Korea.

North Korea's defense ties with China do not involve the same level of military collaboration as its recent relationship with Russia.

Putin's efforts to strengthen ties with Kim, including gifts and a space center tour, have raised concerns among the US and its allies.