An unprecedented defense pact now sealed. North Korea has ratified a historic defense agreement with Russia, sealing their rapprochement in the context of Moscow’s war in Ukraine, the official North Korean agency KCNA reported on Tuesday. The agreement “was ratified in the form of a decree” signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on November 11, specifies KCNA.
Concluded during a rare visit by Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June, this treaty between two beasts of the United States, notably provides for “immediate military aid” reciprocal in the event of an attack against one of the two countries. The treaty was signed by Vladimir Putin this Sunday.
“Revolutionary document”
The agreement formalizes months of deepening security cooperation between the two countries, communist allies throughout the Cold War. Russia and North Korea have grown significantly closer since Russia’s attack on Ukraine began in 2022.
The agreement also commits the two countries to cooperate internationally to oppose Western sanctions and coordinate their positions at the United Nations. President Putin in June called the agreement a “revolutionary document.”
Citing intelligence reports, South Korea, Ukraine and the West say North Korea has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia to fight Ukraine. Asked publicly about the deployment last October, the Russian president did not deny it, instead deflecting the question to criticize Western support for Ukraine.