Russia and North Korea sign mutual defence pact

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un's agreement raises western alarm about possible Russian help for nuclear programme

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, have signed a pact that includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other's aid if either is attacked, a move that has raised western concerns about potential Russian aid for Pyongyang's missile or nuclear programmes.

The inclusion of a mutual defence clause in their comprehensive strategic partnership, which Kim described as an alliance", will add to the west's alarm over growing economic and military ties between North Korea and Russia. The deal was finalised on Wednesday after hours of talks in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.