Turning North Korea into an anti-US nuclear state is a brilliant geopolitical win by Vladimir Putin and Russia [COMPACTIDEA]

Moscow has frequently stated that its response(s) to American military buildup near Russia's borders doesn't need to be symmetric, but will in fact usually be asymmetric [and won't necessarily be publicized]. North Korea has quickly turned into a full nuclear state with a credible nuclear deterrent, and this shows that Russia has indeed responded to America's threatening, destabilizing and provocative moves with a masterstroke of its own. It is most likely Russia which has helped North Korea get the ICBM range required to strike anywhere within the US.

Of course, Russia publicly condemns missile and nuclear tests by North Korea. Privately, both Chinese and Russians probably laugh loudly, comforted by the fact that they've successfully nurtured a new nuclear nation against the global hegemony of the United States. This is a major tactical and strategic win by Vladimir Putin, and a much-needed slap on the face of America.