WWIII Risk Rising? Putin Distances from China, Forges 'Dangerous' New Alliance with North Korea

Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea has raised concerns about a significant geopolitical shift as he strengthens ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, potentially altering global alliances.

Irina Tsukerman, a geopolitical analyst and CEO of Scarab Rising, described the developing relationship as a "real danger" and emphasized its implications.

She told Express, "Russia is well aware of its dependency on China, and it may be looking to North Korea as a ledge off of that dependency."

The alliance between Russia and North Korea, long viewed with suspicion by the international community, raises concerns about global stability.

"I think there is real danger there," Tsukerman warned. "Two big powers uniting like this should not be dismissed easily."

This economic and strategic shift may anger China, as Russia navigates its relationship with its closest ally.

"China considers Kim Jong-un reckless," Tsukerman explained. "So far, Putin has played this very carefully and has avoided any confrontation. He will likely level this North Korea meeting to China as rallying support for Ukraine, but behind closed doors, it may be a different matter entirely."

The visit comes amid escalating tensions over Ukraine, where Russia faces international condemnation and sanctions.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

Earlier this week, South Korea reported that thousands of shipping containers loaded with weapons have been sent from North Korea to Russia. South Korea's Defence Minister, Shin Wonsik, told Bloomberg that Seoul has identified at least 10,000 shipping containers suspected of containing artillery ammunition and other weapons shipped from North Korea to Russia.

With Russia’s drone factory in Iran under constant attack from Ukraine, Putin may also be seeking joint production with North Korea.

"I do believe this relationship will benefit both," Tsukerman said. "Russia is in a tough spot, and North Korea can be a potential intermediary for procuring financial gains and goods, weapon production, even joint weapon production.”