Russia and North Korea sign mutual defence partnership amid escalating tensions with West

Open this photo in gallery: Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a signing ceremony in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19.Kristina Kormilitsyna/The Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a new partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked, during a Wednesday summit that came as both face escalating standoffs with the West. The deal, which the leaders said covered areas including security, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties, could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Soviet Union…