Putin arrives in Hanoi after signing N Korea defence pact

Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning a state visit to Vietnam, a day after signing a mutual defence pact with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, who offered his “full support” on Ukraine. Mr Putin and Mr Kim signed a strategic treaty at a summit in Pyongyang that included a pledge to come to each other’s aid if attacked. Washington and its allies accuse North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine and the deal fuelled fears of more deliveries. The US State Department said deepening ties between Russia and North Korea were “of great…