Russia and North Korea Cement Defense Pact Amid Troop Deployment

Russian President Vladimir Putin has finalized a defense pact with North Korea, formalizing increased military cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, which was signed into law after passing through Russia's parliament, commits both countries to provide military assistance to each other in case of an attack and to oppose Western sanctions. This development comes amid reports that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's efforts in Ukraine, a claim Putin has not denied. The pact marks a significant deepening of ties between the former Cold War allies.