Russia-North Korea defense pact moves military cooperation out of shadows

FILE - Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un walk in the garden of the Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang, North Korea in this image released by the Korean Central News Agency, June 20, 2024. (KCNA via Reuters) Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a state reception in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 19, 2024. (Sputnik/Vladimir Smirnov/Pool via Reuters)

A new defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea this week publicly laid out Moscow's willingness to engage in full-fledged military cooperation with Pyongyang, in contrast to their denials prior to the summit, analysts said.