Russia-North Korea pact to test limits of new 'alliance'

SEOUL -- North Korea and Russia agreed at a summit to significantly upgrade relations, including a pledge to defend each other militarily in the event of an attack. But analysts say the heretofore transactional nature of their ties casts serious doubt on whether they will live up to that commitment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, receiving a hero's welcome and effusive praise from official media.