What's happened
North Korea has deepened its relationship with Russia through a recent agreement involving increased tourism and military cooperation. This comes amid North Korea's ongoing support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, including sending troops and military equipment, while also receiving gifts like animals for its zoo.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, North Korea's recent agreement with Russia includes increasing charter flights to promote tourism, alongside military cooperation. The New York Times highlights the absurdity of sending animals as gifts amid North Korea's dire economic situation, while AP News emphasizes the military implications of North Korea sending troops to aid Russia. The Moscow Times notes that this partnership is part of a broader strategy to counter Western sanctions and enhance military capabilities.
How we got here
North Korea's relations with Russia have intensified following international sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un's regime seeks military technology and economic support, leading to increased military cooperation and exchanges between the two nations.
More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Kim Jong-un is a North Korean politician who has been the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011 and chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea since 2012.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.