Putin says Russia, North Korea coordinating on regional security

What happened

Russian President Vladimir Putin told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Aug 15) that Moscow and Pyongyang are cooperating across all areas and coordinating efforts for regional security and stability. Kim visited Liberation Tower on Friday to honor Soviet soldiers, and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent greetings. These actions underscore deepening ties amid international concern over North Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Why it matters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Pyongyang of providing Moscow with missiles and ammunition, and analysts say North Korea is seeking to frame Northeast Asia as a contest between rival blocs to justify its weapons programs and strengthen backing from Beijing and Moscow.