North Korea has ratified a defense treaty with Russia, deepening their military ties, which include North Korea sending thousands of troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine.
The “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty, signed in June during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang, was formally ratified by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday.
Russia had already ratified the pact, with Putin signing it into law last Saturday.
The agreement includes mutual military support in the event of armed aggression, in line with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for collective self-defense.
It also outlines expanded cooperation in trade, economy, and technology. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko cited U.S. military activities in the region, including alliances with South Korea, as a driving force behind the treaty.
Reports suggest around 10,000 North Korean troops are stationed in the Kursk region of southwest Russia, where Ukrainian forces have been active.
Ukrainian intelligence claims to have intercepted communications between North Korean soldiers, indicating preparations for an assault to retake occupied territory.
South Korean officials have raised concerns that Russia might be sharing missile and nuclear technology with North Korea, with suspicions that North Korea’s new Hwasong-19 missile could have been developed with Russian assistance.
