North Korea ratifies defense pact with Russia amid closer military ties

North Korea has ratified a significant defense pact with Russia, state media announced Tuesday, marking a pivotal step in the growing security alliance between the two nations as Moscow continues its military campaign in Ukraine.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the agreement was formalized as a decree by Kim Jong Un, who was referred to by his official title, “President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” The treaty, which Russian lawmakers approved unanimously last week and subsequently signed by President Vladimir Putin, is set to take effect once both parties exchange ratification instruments, KCNA added.

North Korea has emerged as a prominent and vocal supporter of Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine. Western nations have accused Pyongyang of providing artillery shells and missiles to Moscow, but recent developments suggest a deepening commitment.

Intelligence from South Korea, Ukraine, and Western countries indicates that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to support Russia’s efforts on the ground. The deployment, however, remains unconfirmed by Moscow, though Putin avoided refuting the reports last month, redirecting focus to criticize Western support for Ukraine.

The foundation for this strategic partnership was laid in June, when Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a treaty with Kim Jong Un. The agreement commits both nations to provide mutual military aid in the event of an attack and to collaborate internationally to counteract Western sanctions.

Putin praised the treaty as a “breakthrough document” at the time, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to deepening their security alliance.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who recently visited Moscow, expressed her nation’s unwavering support for Russia, referring to its campaign in Ukraine as a “sacred struggle.”

Choe emphasized Pyongyang’s loyalty to Moscow, vowing that North Korea would “stand firmly by our Russian comrades until victory day,” and expressing faith in Putin’s “wise leadership.”

Western officials have raised concerns that the cooperation could extend beyond military support. In exchange for North Korean troops, there are fears that Russia may be providing Pyongyang with advanced technological assistance to bolster its nuclear weapons program.

North Korea recently tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) among other ballistic missiles, raising further alarms about potential advancements in its military capabilities.