In recent months, Russian President Vladimir Putin has increased the frequency of his foreign visits, primarily favoring countries that support Russia in the Ukraine conflict. After China, Putin has visited North Korea and Vietnam. His last visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was 24 years ago, in 2000, and no other former Soviet leaders, including Russia's first president Boris Yeltsin, have visited North Korea. This is Putin's second visit to the country, while only Chinese leader Xi Jinping has visited Pyongyang among world leaders, doing so in 2019.

Axar.az reports that according to political analyst Elxan Shakhinoglu, this visit has raised concerns in the United States and South Korea:

“Washington and Seoul fear that Russia might share military technologies with North Korea. While economic ties between Russia and North Korea are minimal, with trade exchanges amounting to only about 2 million dollars in 2021, this figure increased to 29 million dollars in the following two years. However, this is small compared to the 15 billion dollars in trade turnover between Russia and South Korea. These figures indicate that North Korea is not a significant trading partner for Russia. Relations between the two countries are largely based on political support, as Pyongyang has expressed support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. Washington and Seoul are particularly concerned about this aspect, fearing that Russia might transfer submarine, ballistic missile technologies to North Korea, which is possible. A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement has been signed between Russia and the DPRK, stipulating military assistance in case of aggression against either party.”

Shakhinoglu emphasized that while Beijing is a partner of the Kremlin, it views Russia's strategic partnership with North Korea with caution:

“Reuters has reported that Beijing does not wish to join a Russia-North Korea alliance against the West. China has significant influence over Pyongyang and does not want to share this with Russia. Beijing is also concerned about Russia's partnership with Vietnam, given that like North Korea, Vietnam has special relations with China. Nonetheless, Vietnam disagrees with China over control of surrounding islands. In Beijing's view, developing relations with Vietnam could distance this country from China.

Vietnam has been trying to diversify its foreign policy and trade relations in recent years. Some Chinese businesses are moving to Vietnam and other neighboring countries as alternatives. On the other hand, with the US increasing tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing itself has also been increasing exports to other markets, such as Mexico and Thailand, where exports have more than doubled. Nonetheless, Beijing does not hide its concerns over its rival the US or its partner Russia's close relations with China's neighbors.”