Russia, N. Korea Deepen Ties; US Allies Respond

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea, where he met Kim Jong Un and warned the United States, South Korea, and Japan against forming a security alliance targeting Russia or Pyongyang. Lavrov and Kim described their partnership as an 'invincible alliance' and agreed to deepen military and strategic cooperation, with Kim reiterating full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. North Korea has reportedly deployed thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region and supplied munitions in exchange for military and economic aid. In response, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have expanded joint military drills, citing concerns about North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. Lavrov acknowledged North Korea’s right to develop nuclear weapons and accused the Western allies of escalating military pressure, fueling worries about possible technology transfers that could boost Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities. These actions have heightened regional tensions and underscore the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea.