UPDATED: North Korean leader has invited Trump to a meeting, U.S. officials say

[dameatball]

25. The timeline starts with Putin putting North Korea unde the same guarantee as any NATO country

Putin announced his intention that an attack against any Russian ally would be considered an attack upon Russia and retaliation would ensue.
North Korea is an ally and important outlet for Russian energy resources
North Korea now no longer needs it's own nuclear deterrent, because it is now under the umbrella of Russia.
Kim Jong Un now has the high ground to appear the peacemaker and is open to talks, without bankrupting his country in a futile arms race he cannot win.
Trump sees an opportunity to claim a diplomatic "win" rushing in to tout his tough guy diplomacy as the winner.
Sanctions against North Korea are lifted and sanctions against Russia remain unenforced.
Talks between North and South Koreacontinue with the ultimate result being withdrawal of U. S. forces and reunification.....sketchy here

winner: North Korea.......enter the Russian safety net and direct resources to rebuild country
winner utin......the real dealmaker globally
winner: Trump....claim to be a dealmaker, but actually gains nothing
loser: Japan

wildcard: China