North Korea has ratified a defense treaty with Russia, marking a formal deepening of their military alliance as North Korean troops reportedly assist Moscow in the conflict in Ukraine.
State media announced Tuesday that the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty was ratified through a decree from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signing of the agreement earlier. Initially signed during Putin’s June visit to Pyongyang, the treaty commits each nation to provide military and other support if either faces an armed attack, aligning with the right of self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. The pact also encourages expanded cooperation in trade, technology, and economic ventures.
This intensified partnership has raised concerns among other countries, particularly the United States and South Korea, as North Korean troops reportedly mobilize in southwest Russia. Both U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence agencies report North Korean soldiers are stationed alongside Russian forces near Ukraine, with an imminent offensive speculated.
South Korea has voiced worries about potential technology exchanges between Russia and North Korea, particularly regarding missile advancements. Military intelligence in Seoul suggested that North Korea’s new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-19, could have benefited from Russian expertise, signaling a potential shift in regional security dynamics and heightened nuclear risks.
Peoplesmind
