North Korea has ratified a significant defense agreement with Russia, committing both countries to provide mutual military support if either is attacked, according to state-run media reports on Tuesday.
The Korean Central News Agency announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the decree on Monday.
The treaty, titled the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation,” was originally signed in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024, and ratified by North Korea’s president. The treaty will become effective once both countries exchange ratification instruments.
This move follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signing of a law on Saturday to ratify the agreement. Signed in June, the treaty includes provisions for military assistance in the event of an attack by a third nation.
The agreement aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, and non-interference in each other’s domestic matters.
While the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine have alleged that North Korea sent troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, Pyongyang has not confirmed these claims. Additionally, Seoul has accused North Korea of supplying millions of artillery shells to assist Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
