Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be strengthening ties with some of the globe's most powerful autocrats.
During a recent cordial visit to China, the Russian leader warmly embraced North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, sparking speculation about future developments.
Putin conducted discussions with the North Korean supremo on Wednesday during a mutual trip to China, expressing gratitude for supplying the Kremlin with artillery, missiles, and thousands of troops. The news comes as Putin invites Zelensky to peace talks in Moscow.
Images from the encounters reveal Kim and Putin, two of the planet's most formidable authoritarian rulers, sharing a cordial embrace following their bilateral discussions in Beijing.
After the warm greeting, Kim, who has remained one of Russia's most steadfast supporters, vowed to do "everything possible to assist" their campaign, describing it as his "fraternal obligation" to support Moscow, reports the Express US.
"I would like to note that your warriors fought bravely and displayed heroism," Putin declared.
"We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen."
The gathering marked the first occasion Kim, who seldom ventures beyond his nation's borders, participated in a significant international multilateral summit.
The recent encounter follows Putin's apparently amicable interactions with two other notorious leaders - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The trio conversed enthusiastically for several moments on Tuesday before positioning themselves for a group photograph during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering in northern China's Tianjin.
The summit represents an emerging challenge for the US.
The alliance, initially viewed as a threat to American dominance in Central Asia, has steadily expanded throughout recent years.
Indeed, it appears that President Donald Trump is all-too aware of this development, as he responded poorly to the interactions on social media.
"Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America," he posted on his Truth Social platform.
Russia swiftly dismissed the president's assertion, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that "no one is plotting anything; no one has the desire or the time for that."
Putin subsequently ridiculed Trump, suggesting the American leader possessed a "sense of humour."
However, Trump continues to appear wary about the meetings, declaring on Wednesday from Washington that he intended to speak with Putin "over the next few days.
"I'm going to know exactly what's happening," Trump stated, adding that if Putin makes decisions that displease Washington, "you'll see things happen."
He also cautioned that he could persist with imposing sanctions on India, alongside 25 per cent tariffs on imports.
