North Korea’s leader vows support for Russia on Ukrainian issue
During his talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Kim Jong Un stated that North Korea fully supports Russia in its efforts to “eliminate the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.” He stressed that standing with Moscow is Pyongyang’s “unshakable choice” and referred to Vladimir Putin as his “closest friend.” Medvedev, in turn, emphasized the significance of North Korea’s position in supporting Russia’s “special military operation.” According to TASS, an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership, including a clause on mutual military assistance, was signed during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024 (TASS).
Intended effect: The article emphasizes the strength of the Russian-North Korean alliance, creating the impression that Moscow has growing international support. For the domestic audience, this portrays an ally ready to support Russia’s stance on Ukraine and oppose the West, which reinforces the image of the country as not isolated, but having strong partners.
RIA Novosti: “Russia’s ally” shows its true colors
An article on RIA Novosti discusses two scandals involving members of the pro-Russian Alternative for Germany party this week. First: three MPs from Saxony-Anhalt visited the Russian embassy and took part in Putin’s birthday celebrations. Second: Hamburg MP Robert Risch participated in an anti-globalist forum in St. Petersburg. The party leadership distanced itself from the first incident, stating that the visit was a personal initiative by the MPs, while in the second case, it quickly expelled Risch from the faction and the party itself, stating that participation in the Russian event was “incompatible with the values” of the party. The author of the article views these events as examples of how right-wing populist parties, even those gaining sympathy for Russia, are forced to change under pressure from the European political system (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The material portrays “Russia’s allies” as incapable of withstanding the pressure of the Western socio-political system. This reinforces the idea that support for Russia from other countries is fragile and easily compromised.
Zatulin slams Pashinyan’s plans to create “new Armenia” as betrayal
Konstantin Zatulin, the First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, said that the Armenian prime minister’s statements on creating a “Fourth Republic” are “beautiful packaging” for Pashinyan’s failed domestic and foreign policies. He claimed that most Armenians oppose constitutional changes and that the plans for the “Fourth Republic” are linked to rejecting the ideology, history of genocide, and alliance with Russia. Zatulin also noted that Armenia is “creating an additional threat to Iran” by distancing itself from cooperation with Iran, and criticized Yerevan for its weak commitment to opening corridors with Azerbaijan (Sputnik).
Intended effect: The article portrays Russia as a defender of traditional values and historical memory, while discrediting Pashinyan’s actions as a betrayal of national interests and a potential departure from Armenia’s alliance with Moscow.
