Russia risks further isolation by courting North Korea

Efforts to boost war effort could undo Moscow's rapport with emerging countries

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North Korea's Kim Jong Un, left, and Russia's Vladimir Putin attend a reception after meeting in Vladivostok in 2019. They are expected to meet again in the coming days. (Photo by KCNA via Reuters)

KO SAKAI, Nikkei senior staff writer

TOKYO -- With Russia's economy facing heavy headwinds from the war in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin had intensified efforts in recent months to woo emerging and developing countries that make up the so-called Global South.

But Putin now appears to be turning to North Korea, as he seeks to bolster Russia's military capabilities even if it means further alienating the rest of the global community.

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