Russian President Putin’s “friendly state visit” to the reclusive nuclear-armed North Korea for the first time in 24 years has likely spooked the US-led West. Putin has vowed to deepen trade and security ties and to support North Korea against the US. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is concerned about the support Russia could provide to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also promised full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine before beginning a one-on-one meeting with Putin in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, China has been cautious in responding to Russia and North Korea deepening their ties and vowing to resist the US-led West.