SEOUL -- North Korea and Russia agreed at a summit to significantly upgrade relations, including a pledge to defend each other militarily in the event of an attack. But analysts say the heretofore transactional nature of their ties casts serious doubt on whether they will live up to that commitment.
International relations
Russia-North Korea pact to test limits of new 'alliance'
Mutual military assistance pledge could pose regionwide security challenge
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend an official welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19. © Reuters
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