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All You Need Is Royal Caribbean Travel Protection 1

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Cancel your trip and we have two options, cancellation for specified, non-excluded reasons and get up to 100% of your unused prepaid trip cost or for any other reason, get 30% future cruise credits.

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Don't let delays slow you down. The Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program covered travel expenses when you've been delayed, so you can get on with your vacation without skipping a beat.

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If you get sick or injured during your vacation, get the care you need with a vacation protection plan. The travel protection program reimburses for medical expenses as well as emergency transportation by air or land.

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Don't lose it over lost luggage. The Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program has your bags covered up to $1,500 if they're lost, stolen or damaged and up to $500 for covered replacement items if they're delayed.

Whatever comes up, wherever you are, whenever you need it; we're always here to help. Because vacations should be all about peace of mind.

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1  Royal Caribbean Travel Protection is an optional travel protection add-on to your cruise booking and is available through Royal Caribbean for residents in all states except New York. New York state residents who wish to purchase the product may visit https://travelcruisecare.com to enroll directly with Aon Affinity. If added, your Royal Caribbean Travel Protection plan is not effective until the plan cost has been paid. Plan cost is not automatically included as part of your initial cruise deposit.

2  Travel insurance benefits are administered by Aon Affinity and underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, with administrative offices in Jersey City, NJ (NAIC #11150) under Policy Form series LTP 2013. This is a brief overview of the coverages. Subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. This is a general overview of insurance benefits available. Coverages may vary in certain states and not all benefits are available in all jurisdictions. Please refer to your certificate of benefits or policy of insurance for detailed terms, conditions and exclusions that apply. Aon Affinity is the brand name for the brokerage and program administration operations of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. (TX 13695); (AR100106022); in CA & MN, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. Any questions regarding the terms and conditions of the insurance benefits of any Royal Caribbean Travel Protection plan or any questions regarding any existing insurance coverages should be directed to Aon Affinity by calling Aon Affinity 1-800 453-4022.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Leave the driving to someone else for a change, and start your vacation early with a smooth ride to the ship. Our ground transportation and expedited check-in programs include transfer services from the airport to your cruise ship and back, private limousines, luggage valet, fast region-specific check-ins, and convenient bus routes from Florida.

AIRPORT SHUTTLES

You can pre-purchase ground transportation and airport transfers to take you from your arrival airport to the ship on the day of your sailing, and from the pier to your departure airport on debarkation day. We recommend purchasing your transfer at least two weeks prior to sailing — just consult with your travel agent or call our Reservations department at 1-800-327-6700.

TRAIN TO PORT ON BRIGHTLINE

Turn the journey to your cruise into an enjoyable experience with Brightline's convenient train service. With key stations near top Florida ports, you can go from station to vacation without a hitch. Enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of food and beverage options, and friendly service. All designed to make your trip as pleasurable as your cruise.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WE’LL SHUTTLE YOU TO YOUR SHIP

Royal Caribbean offers easy-to-purchase ground transfers to and from the cruise ship — just leave the details to us. 

Ease into your cruise adventure by letting Royal Caribbean safely get you to and from the ship with one of our easy-to-purchase ground transfers.

If you choose to make your own air arrangements or book air through our online ChoiceAir Travel Program you may wish to purchase ground transportation to the ship. Transfers are available for pre-purchase from the arrival airport to the pier on day of sailing and from the pier to the departure airport on debarkation day only. It is recommended that transfers are purchased two weeks prior to sailing. Please remember we require your flight information in order to promptly meet all guests.

To purchase your Royal Caribbean Guest Transfer or for additional information consult your travel agent or our Reservations Department at 1-800-327-6700.

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Tips to save time and money on summer travel: Fly, drive and cruise for less

As travelers get ready to hit the road, take to the skies and head out on the high seas this summer, experts have some simple tips that could help you save both time and money.

Cost-effective tips for air travel this summer

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, shared the team's newly released annual report of the best airlines with "Good Morning America," which sums up the most reliable U.S. airlines striking a balance between reliability, cost, experience and value.

This year, Kelly said "Delta came in at No. 1 for the sixth year in a row," noting the airline "didn't win in any one of the four major categories, but they're strong consistently across the board."

"In reliability, I want to give a shoutout to Allegiant Air, which is a smaller, low-cost air carrier -- they did not bump a single passenger in 2023," he said. "Getting where you need to go is a big part of air travel, so kudos to them."

With most major carriers increasing baggage fees across the board, Kelly applauded Southwest Airlines, which he said "still allows two checked bags free."

Domestic deals to save on summer travel

The average airfare has dropped again, according to the latest inflation data from May, which means that it's actually 6% cheaper to fly now than this time last year.

Katy Nastro, travel expert and Going.com spokesperson, told "GMA" that airfare is now 19% cheaper than June of 2022, when airfare was at its highest price points. She said it's also cheaper than February 2020, when air travel was still "normal."

To take advantage of the three-month streak of cheaper prices, travelers can look for deals both at home and abroad.

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"There's a lot of great domestic fares," Kelly said. "We're seeing New York to San Francisco for $197 round trip."

He also noted that now is a great time to visit wine country in Northern California.

Additionally, he pointed to deals on airfare to and from cruise port locations. "New York to Miami $87 round trip -- that's a great jumping off spot for cruises," he said.

The Points Guy team has also tracked fares from Los Angeles to Charleston for under $200.

"Charleston is a great food city, but there's also beautiful beaches in that part of the country that you shouldn't overlook," he said.

The Transportation Security Administration recently reported its second busiest day in history, with nearly 3 million people screened across the country.

Even with record travel numbers, Kelly said there have yet to be any "major meltdowns" at airports or specific airlines, but sadly said it's a different story when it comes to getting to the airport.

"Our roads can't handle the crowds -- I highly recommend people leave early for the airport," Kelly said. "Traffic is an issue. So if you're a procrastinator like me, don't be, and head to the airport a little earlier this summer."

Check in early for flights to earn access to upgrades

As soon as the check in window opens within 24 hours of a flight, experts encourage using the airline's app to seamlessly check in and avoid any issues, especially if you're checking bags, because with some fee policy changes, it could cost you more by making that choice in person the day of your flight.

Plus, checking in early also offers more possibility, depending on your loyalty status, to receive any upgrades.

Avoid lost luggage with 'baggage hygiene'

The ramp director at Newark Liberty International Airport told ABC News to make sure you remove old bag tag stickers from previous flights that could potentially send your baggage to another airport.

The ramp director also suggested removing any ribbons, which is a common way to identify baggage, because it could obstruct the printed locator tag.

Get through security with ease by separating certain items

Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or you've become a carry-on packing pro in order to avoid paying for checked luggage, there's another simple step to take before getting to the security checkpoint that can hopefully speed things along.

Every airport is built differently and requirements for what to put in a bin whether you're in the Clear, TSA pre-check, or standard security line seemingly vary at an array of locations when it comes to what needs to be taken out or off like liquids and shoes.

Put items that are known to be problematic at security, such as batteries, candles, baby wipes, food or other items that may obstruct the X-Ray from getting a clear read, into their own designated removable pouch or section of your carry-on so that it can be easily removed and rescanned a lot faster.

Summer of cruises with deals at hot destinations

There are still some great deals at sea to capitalize on later this summer, with some as low as $50 a night in August, according to ABC News chief business correspondent Rebecca Jarvis .

"A four-night Key West and Bahamas cruise starting at $242 a person. A four-night short Caribbean cruise for $251 a person. And a four-night Bahamas cruise for $209 a person," she shared. "Really, the bottom line here is the more flexible you can be and the more all-inclusive you book, the better deal you're going to get."

Road trip and hit the road for less with lower gas prices

Jarvis said Americans can road trip for less than it would have cost this time last year with gas prices at $3.46 on average nationwide.

"That's down about $0.13 a gallon from where we were last year," she said, adding that "AAA is forecasting that a number of states are going to see their states dip below $3 a gallon in the coming weeks."

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Jeff bezos and lauren sánchez take greece by land, air and sea on mykonos yacht vacation.

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are taking Greece by land, sea and air.

An isle spy tells Page Six that the power couple has been seen on Mykonos, where helicopter pilot Sánchez was spotted taking a whirly-bird for a spin off the duo’s boat, which is filled with “toys,” y’know, like choppers.

Said the fellow traveler: “Jeff was seen coming from the city center in Chora ” — as the tony town is called by locals and in-the-know visitors — “and getting on and off his helicopter onto his smaller support boat.”

The couple was also photographed strolling through the streets of Mykonos hand-in-hand.

The source further said that, “Lauren has been seen flying a helicopter on and off their support boat, where they keep all their toys . . . helicopters, speed boats and other water toys.”

The source also told us that, “Jeff’s keeping the super big boat they live on, on the other side of the island where there is less wind.”

The source was referring to the couple’s famous $500 million superyacht , Koru, which they debuted last summer. Building of the mammoth vessel for the Amazon tycoon began in 2018.

Bezos also reportedly owns a “smaller” $75 million yacht, Abeona, which shadows his bigger boat . (One boat blog explained the concept: “In car terms, this is basically the same as buying a Porsche so you can drive to the garage where your Bugatti is parked.”)

The little ol’ support boat can accommodate 45, including 20 crew.

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Bezos also owns a fleet of helicopters and private planes plus properties galore, of course.

Also on Mykonos as the summer heats up , we hear, is billionaire Jets owner Woody Johnson, who was spotted at fancy beach club Scorpios, after taking a tender from his own yacht.

Bezos and Sánchez have also been seen in Greece dining on the island of Hydra with Bezos’ son Preston.

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Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

• Travelers are facing high prices and crowds this summer.
• The best way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.
• There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there.

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you're traveling this summer.

Flights will be packed. Just before Memorial Day, the Transportation Security Administration set a new record for most air travelers screened. It checked nearly 3 million passengers on May 24, surpassing the previous record set last Thanksgiving. U.S. airlines are projecting a record summer . They expect to fly 271 million passengers in June, July and August, up 6% from last summer.

Roads will be jammed. GasBuddy’s latest summer travel survey predicts 76% of Americans plan to take a road trip sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day – up 18% from last summer.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Hotels are full, too. Average hotel occupancy will rise to 63.4%, the highest level since 2019, according to the consulting firm HVS .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

There's only one way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.

"With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil − not pen," said Bill Smith, CEO of Landing , a company that offers flexible rentals. "Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend while maximizing your adventure this summer."

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently − bending but not breaking.

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Ways to become more flexible this summer

So, how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

• Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you're trying to visit is too popular − and expensive. That's what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zurich for less. So he did. "Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular," said Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. "Travel flexibility can result in cost savings − and a unique experience."
• Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone. "Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region," said Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. "Instead of London, try Normandy or Bath." Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she said.
• Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline's hub. Don't waste that opportunity, said Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. "This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places," she said. 

Here are a few useful flexibility tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible. 

For example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12-month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

"This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much − or as little − as they’d like throughout the year," Smith said.

Another newish feature is Airbnb's flexible dates search , which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every self-respecting online travel site. It's the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don't limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to visit, which may include an alternate airport.

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You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, said Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront. (But you have to be sure you're going because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable.)

"At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal," he said.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

What are some more ways to increase your travel flexibility?

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you're on the road. 

"A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary," said Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. "A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans."

What is white space? It's literally that − a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It's a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Even the experts keep relearning the lesson of flexibility. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and the flights were crazy expensive − around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride from St. Martin, which has more flights. 

Total savings: $200. 

Being flexible means thinking about travel differently from everyone else. It's the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don't get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it's not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don't go too far.

Bend so you don't break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel adviser Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. She told me lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

"Life isn't perfect," she said. "Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events."

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, it's no fun.

You don't want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing's new flex program. 

But if you make too many compromises, it won't be much of a vacation. You'll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart. 

Bend − but don't break.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Southwest Airlines flight plunged to within 400 feet of ocean off Hawaii: ‘Like a roller coaster ride’

A Southwest Airlines flight came within just 400 feet of smashing into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii after aborting a landing due to weather conditions, according to a report.

On a flight in April, the Boeing 737 Max 8 suddenly plummeted several hundred feet in a matter of seconds before the flight crew was able to pull up at the last second to avoid a deadly crash, according to a memo Southwest sent to its pilots last week and obtained by Bloomberg.

No one was injured on the passenger flight, the airline said.

Southwest Flight 2786 was flying at an altitude of about 1,000 feet after bailing on a landing attempt due to poor weather conditions when it dropped to within 400 feet of the sea, according to data from ADS-B Exchange, a flight tracking website.

It fell at an alarming rate of more than 4,000 feet per second, according to Bloomberg.

The panicked pilot began to rapidly climb as fast as possible.

The pilot was “pitching up and pitching down with the power and close to out of control — very close,” Kit Darby, a former commercial airline pilot and flight instructor, told the outlet.. “It would feel like a roller coaster ride.”

The plane had departed from Honolulu for a short flight to Lihue Airport. Given the flight time, the captain put the “newer” first officer in command, according to the memo.

The pilot decided to abort the landing as the plane approached the airport because weather conditions blocked the view of the runway.

The first officer “inadvertently” pushed forward on the controls while monitoring the thrust level which moves based on the plane’s automatic throttle, the memo said.

To compensate, the pilot cut the speed which caused the airplane to rapidly descend and sounded alarms. 

The captain ordered the first officer to increase thrust, causing the plane to “aggressively” climb at 8,500 feet per minute, the memo said.

The plane returned to Honolulu where it landed safely.

Darby told Bloomberg that flights descend gradually at roughly 1,500 to 2,000 feet per minute as they approach their destination, reaching 800 feet once within five miles of the airport.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than Safety,” SouthWest told The Post in a statement when asked about the incident. 

“Through our robust Safety Management System, the event was addressed appropriately as we always strive for continuous improvement,” the spokesperson added.

SouthWest concluded that better communication between crew members is vital, according to the memo. It pledged to review industry and internal data to determine if protocols and training need to be updated.

The FAA is investigating the incident, according to Bloomberg.

The scary mishap came just a month before a 73-year-old British man was killed when a Singapore Airlines Boeing flight hit severe turbulence Tuesday — plunging 6,000 feet and sending unrestrained travelers crashing into overhead bins.

Another 30 passengers were injured on the May 21 Boeing 777 flight, which was traveling from London to Singapore. 

The quick change in gravitational force “likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne,” while the second shift likely caused them to come crashing back down,” The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore reported.

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Ukraine war latest: Putin and Kim sign new defence deal - as UK says 'bizarre scenes' should be warning

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed a new deal in Pyongyang, making a vow of mutual aid if either of their countries is attacked as both face escalating stand-offs with the West. Got a question on the Ukraine war? Submit it below for our specialists to answer.

Wednesday 19 June 2024 13:18, UK

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Once his business in North Korea is wrapped up, Vladimir Putin will quickly be on the move to Vietnam, where he is scheduled to visit for the next two days.

The country is preparing to host the Russian leader, who is expected to arrive later tonight in Hanoi.

Pictures from the country show seamstresses making Russian flags that will line the streets and a motorcade during a security rehearsal near the Hotel Metropole, where Mr Putin is expected to stay.

Vladimir Putin has been photographed driving Kim Jong Un around in a luxury Russian-built Aurus limousine during his visit to Pyongyang today.

The Russian leader presented Mr Kim with a limousine, a tea set and an admiral's dirk, a type of dagger, according to Russia's state news agency TASS.

Mr Putin's visit, which comes as both nations face international isolation, is being watched closely by Seoul and Washington, which have expressed concern about their growing military ties.

Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed a new deal today that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country is attacked.

The agreement, which the leaders said covered areas including security, trade, investment and cultural and humanitarian ties, could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Both leaders described it as a major upgrade of their ties.

During their meeting today, Mr Kim said: "The relationship between our two countries is at the highest point and incomparable to relations between the DPRK and the Soviet Union."

You can watch what Mr Kim said about the Russian leader's visit below...

Kim Jong Un has described the new deal struck between North Korea and Russia as "peaceful and defensive".

Mr Kim has spent today hosting Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang where the two held lengthy talks.

The Russian president said world affairs and the global agenda dominated the pair's conversation.

Mr Kim described his Russian counterpart as "the dearest friend of the Korean people", saying that "at this moment, when the whole world is paying close attention to Pyongyang, where the friendship mission from Russia has arrived, I stand with Russian comrades - our most honest friends and comrades".

Earlier, North Korea rolled out the red carpet for Mr Putin upon his arrival, with a welcome ceremony in Pyongyang before the two leaders exchanged lavish gifts (see 9.41am post).

Mr Putin later laid a wreath at a monument to soldiers of the Soviet Union who died liberating the Korean Peninsula from Japanese occupation.

A former CIA analyst has branded Vladimir Putin's trip to North Korea as "pretty pathetic".

The Russian president has had the red carpet treatment in Pyongyang as he holds talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

One of the key outcomes of the trip is a new agreement signed between the two nations that vows to protect each other in the event of invasion.

For Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst who is now a director at the Wilson Center thinktank, Mr Putin's visit to Pyongyang highlights how two "pariah states" are cementing their ties despite their isolation from the international community.

"I think it is pretty pathetic that Putin has to resort to relying on [the] 198th-ranked economy in the world to help his war effort," she told BBC News.

"It's all around bad news for the rest of the world."

By Nicole Johnston , Asia correspondent, in Beijing

Anytime Vladimir Putin leaves Russia it is significant because he rarely gets out. But this trip - visiting the secretive and closed off country of North Korea for the first time in 24 years - underscores just how important the relationship between these countries has become.

Russia and North Korea have signed a strategic partnership to upgrade their relationship. While it's light on detail this deal will be closely watched in Asia, especially here in China.

China shares a long border with North Korea - it's been the hermit kingdom's main supporter and is responsible for 90% of North Korea's trade.

Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, also has a strong relationship with Russia, buying its oil and gas and sending so-called "dual use" machinery and semi-conductors to Russia, which the West says Russia uses in its war in Ukraine.

China does not want to see Russia muscling in on its traditional area of influence in North Korea.  

Just yesterday, senior officials from China and South Korea held talks in Seoul, where China said maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula is in the common interest of all parties.

Mr Xi does agree with Russia and North Korea on one point, however - that there should be a new world order, a "multipolar" world, rather than the US-dominated international system.

The problem is, China wants to be at the centre of this alternative order and seen as a responsible global leader. It risks reputational damage if the multipolar bloc appears to be largely comprised of countries the West regards as pariah states, such as Russia, North Korea and Iran.

South Korea is also anxious about Mr Putin's trip to Pyongyang.

It could embolden Mr Kim to have a strongman by his side at a time when tension on the Korean Peninsula is high. Both North and South Korea have stepped up their campaigns of cross border harassment in recent weeks.

Mr Putin next heads to Vietnam, which has a different set of issues. Vietnam is emblematic of a Southeast Asian country trying to stay close to the US, Russia and China. It doesn't want to be forced to make a choice.

But in this fractured international environment, divided between the West and developing countries of the "Global South", Vietnam and its neighbour may find that eventually they will have to pick a side.

The North has been sending balloons with rubbish across the border, and activists in the south have sent balloons with propaganda leaflets.

It benefits both sides. The US says Russia receives shipments of artillery shells and ballistic missiles from North Korea. Mr Putin and Mr Kim deny this.

In return, Russia sends North Korea food, fuel and technology.

Watch: North Korea's rubbish balloons explained

Drone attacks by Russia have damaged energy infrastructure in central Ukraine and injured at least two people in the western region of Lviv, the authorities have said. 

Emergency services were sent to the sites of the attacks and repairs to damaged electrical equipment in Lviv are under way, Ukraine's energy ministry said on Telegram.

Russian forces launched five drones at Lviv, injuring two men, who were hit by debris, according to regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi. 

It was part of a wider drone attack launched by Russia last night (see 9.10am post).

The attack in the village of Malekhiv in the Lviv city district damaged a block of flats, as well as scores of windows in other residential buildings, mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. 

The attack also damaged a veterinary drugs research institute, Mr Sadovyi said. 

Sky News could not independently verify the reports. 

Russia and North Korea have signed a new agreement, vowing to help each other in case of invasion as both face escalating stand-offs with the West.

"The comprehensive partnership agreement signed today provides, among other things, mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement," Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying by state news agency TASS.

Mr Kim called Russia "the most honest friend and ally" and referred to Mr Putin "the dearest friend of the Korean people", according to a report by state agency RIA.

The agreement, which replaces previous treaties between the countries from 1961 and 2000-2001, includes a mutual defence clause under which each country agrees to help the other in case of attack.

Yuri Ushakov, a Russian presidential assistant, said the pact was needed because of "the deep evolution of the geopolitical situation in the world and the region".

The UK must strengthen its armed forces to deter the "new axis of tyranny" in the world, the defence secretary has said.

Grant Shapps shared a video on X of what he called North Korea's "bizarre" welcome ceremony for Vladimir Putin, which included a military orchestra, artillery guns firing a welcome salvo and a red carpet for the two leaders to walk down.

The Russian president is in Pyongyang for talks with leader Kim Jong Un.

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have exchanged gifts on the Russian president's visit to North Korea.

Mr Putin reportedly gave his host a Russian-built limousine, a tea set and an admiral's dirk, a type of dagger.

In return, Mr Putin was given various works of art depicting himself, including busts, according to Russia's state news agency TASS.

The Aurus Senat limousine began production in 2018 after Mr Putin personally tasked his country with having its own take on a luxury car.

According to the firm's website, the limousine is the "first luxury car from Russia", and represents the "renaissance of Russia’s industrial, scientific and technological potential". 

It's fully armoured - not surprising given Mr Putin uses one - and uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine.

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