Putin visits North Korea for first time in 24 years

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is headed for North Korea for his first visit in 24 years. As he prepared to leave for his trip, Putin praised North Korea for “firmly supporting” his war in Ukraine.

The visit comes after North Korea’s Kim Jong Un visited Russia last fall and is a further sign of tightening bonds between two nations considered by many to be pariahs on the international stage. Regardless, many Western leaders are watching on with concern.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks to Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.