The Brotherhood Pact Sealed

Russian media on July 12 prominently featured the deepening ties with North Korea, initiated by Foreign Minister Lavrov's visit. Early reports emphasized the "invincible brotherhood" between the nations and discussions about Pyongyang's potential military participation in the special operation, including the commemoration of fallen North Korean fighters in the Kursk region. Lavrov later met with Kim Jong Un, reinforcing the strategic partnership and discussing the possibility of North Korean troops deploying to Ukraine. By day's end, Kim Jong Un affirmed "unconditional support" for Russia in Ukraine. A significant secondary theme emerged in the afternoon with US President Trump's announcement of new 30% tariffs on goods from the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. European officials responded with threats of countermeasures, while Mexico deemed the tariffs unfair. Amidst these diplomatic and economic shifts, the Ukraine conflict persisted with continued Russian strikes and Ukrainian drone attacks on border regions.