Putin and Kim sign defense pact as tensions rise over Ukraine

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un agreed to a mutual defense pact. Putin emphasized that he does not rule out sending weapons to North Korea. He assured that Kim's regime's southern neighbors have no reason to worry. At the same time, he warned South Korea against potential armed support for Ukraine, which could significantly alter the situation.

As for the supply of lethal weapons to the combat zone in Ukraine, this would be a very big mistake. I hope that this will not happen. If this happens, then we will also make appropriate decisions, which are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea — Putin stated.

South Korean politicians are openly concerned about the pact signed by the Russian Federation and North Korea. One South Korean official admitted that the policy regarding Ukraine should be "reconsidered." So far, Seoul has refused to provide armed support to Ukraine, adhering to the principle that it does not sell its equipment where war is ongoing.

Vladimir Putin visited North Korea and Vietnam. His tour of Asia is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with these countries and show that Russia is not as isolated as the West would like. Some observers point out that Putin wanted to demonstrate that he still enjoys significant support.

Putin's trip was also a clear signal to the West that the words about the possible provision of weapons to countries hostile to Western democracies are not just empty promises but a step the Russian dictator is ready to take.

If someone considers it possible to supply such weapons to a combat zone to strike our territory and create problems for us, then why do we not have the right to supply our weapons of the same class to those regions of the world from which the strikes will be carried out on sensitive objects of those countries that do this in relation to Russia? — Putin said.