Trump's skepticism towards NATO is causing further anxiety this time, as Russia's war in Ukraine has brought conflict to the bloc's doorstep.
The agreement for a "comprehensive strategic partnership" signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un on Wednesday is one of the highest-profile moves in Asia by Moscow in years.
NATO Sec.-Gen. Jens Stoltenberg said North Korea had provided "an enormous amount of ammunition" to Russia while both China and Iran were supporting Moscow militarily in its war against Ukraine.
His state visit comes amid US accusations that North Korea has supplied "dozens of ballistic missiles and over 11,000 containers of munitions to Russia" for use in Ukraine.
Russia has said that world powers need a new approach to North Korea, accusing the United States and its allies of seeking to "strangle" the reclusive state.
The North's balloons were "gifts of sincerity" for South Koreans who "cry for freedom of expression," North Korea said.
In addition to providing North Korea with an opportunity to test missiles, Russia has taken steps that will make it harder for the United Nations to monitor sanctions imposed on Pyongyang in 2006.
IDF strikes launchers in Gaza humanitarian area • Jewish French woman allegedly raped, kidnapped to 'avenge Palestine' • IDF Rafah op. appears imminent
North Korea and Iran have long been suspected of cooperating on ballistic missile programs, possibly exchanging technical expertise and components that went into their manufacture.
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