Russian President Vladimir Putin has formalized a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, solidifying a strategic partnership with leader Kim Jong Un. The treaty, signed by both leaders in June following a summit in Pyongyang, mandates that each nation come to the other’s defense in the event of an armed attack.
The agreement, recently ratified by Russia’s upper and lower legislative chambers, signals a growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, ties between the two countries have strengthened, with reports indicating North Korean military support for Russia.
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies allege that North Korea has supplied Russia with weaponry, and Ukrainian forensic teams have reportedly found traces of North Korean arms at sites of Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with some casualties reported in combat.
While Russia has not confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops, the new treaty underscores a fortified alliance with North Korea.