Putin, of course, has praised North Korea for supporting the war in Ukraine.

Here's Martha Raddatz tonight.

Tonight, two of America's fiercest adversaries together on North Korean soil.

Vladimir Putin arriving in Pyongyang for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, greeting the Russian president on the red carpet, Kim Jong-un, talking animatedly.

Each leader insisting the other enter the limousine first.

But this is a relationship born out of need.

Kim seeking help from Russia with nuclear and ballistic missile technology and Putin increasingly relying on North Korea for hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds and missiles in his fight against Ukraine.

Kim and Putin met once before last year in Russia.

But this Wednesday and the streets of Pyongyang lined with Putin's portrait sends a strong signal to the West that the so-called axis of dictators is only growing stronger.

While the U.S. says Putin's trip shows desperation in his fight against Ukraine, officials make no secret that Putin's public embrace of Kim is troubling.

David.

Martha Raddatz live in Washington.

Thank you, Martha.