On November 12, the North Korean news agency KCNA reported that the country had officially ratified the Mutual Defense Treaty with Russia. The treaty, signed by the leaders of the two countries in June 2024, stipulates that each side will support the other in the event of an armed attack.
The news comes amid international concerns about deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, amid reports that North Korea has sent tens of thousands of troops to Russia to support its conflict against Ukraine.
According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a decree ratifying the treaty on November 11. The treaty will officially take effect when the two sides complete the exchange of ratification documents.
Russia has also ratified the treaty, which stipulates that the two countries will "immediately provide military and other assistance by all available means" if either of them falls into a state of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty, marking a new step in military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The defense pact was signed during a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024. During the summit, Kim Jong Un emphasized that the pact was a step towards elevating bilateral relations between the two countries, towards a more sustainable "alliance".
The international community, including Seoul, Washington and Kiev, has voiced concerns about North Korea sending more than 10,000 troops to Russia. According to US officials and the Ukrainian defense minister, some North Korean soldiers have been fighting in the Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine.
Reports of North Korean casualties have also raised concerns about the security situation in the region and created new tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Mutual Defense Treaty between Russia and North Korea is attracting much attention from the international community about a stronger military alliance between the two countries.
