A new defence pact between Russia and North Korea, ratified by the Federation Council, solidifies a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries. This treaty, signed by President Putin and Kim Jong Un, represents the closest alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War. The pact mandates mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either country. This comes as North Korean troops reportedly prepare to join Russia’s war against Ukraine, marking Pyongyang’s first major combat involvement since the Korean War. Both Russia and North Korea have dismissed Western claims of troop deployment, asserting their military cooperation is in line with international law.
The approval of the defence pact comes after it was also endorsed by the State Duma on October 24, and coincides with reports of 10,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. Western officials and South Korean officials have raised concerns over potential Russian technology transfers to advance North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations. In a show of support, North Korean Foreign Minister Chloe Son Hui affirmed Pyongyang’s backing for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, stating it is a “just fight” to defend Russia’s sovereign rights and security interests.
Amidst the US elections, North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles to signal its military strength. This move comes amidst growing tensions between Washington and Pyongyang and as Russia strengthens its ties with North Korea. The treaty between Russia and North Korea and the reported deployment of North Korean troops in Russia indicate a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. As Western and South Korean officials voice their concerns, both Moscow and Pyongyang remain firm in their support for each other. The strong ties between the two countries and their shared military cooperation could have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The growing military partnership between Russia and North Korea could have implications for the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly with regards to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. With North Korea’s reported deployment of troops in Russia and the signing of a defence pact between the two countries, there are concerns about potential technology transfers that could advance Pyongyang’s military capabilities. However, Moscow and Pyongyang have dismissed these concerns and affirmed that their military cooperation is in compliance with international law.
The approval of the defence pact by the Federation Council and its earlier endorsement by the State Duma highlight the seriousness of the strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. This comes at a time when both countries are facing increasing pressure from the West and are looking to strengthen their alliances. With North Korea’s first major combat involvement since the Korean War and its reported deployment of troops in Russia, the geopolitical landscape in the region is evolving. The alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang represents a significant shift in the balance of power and could have long-term implications for regional security.
Overall, the new defence pact between Russia and North Korea solidifies a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that mandates mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either country. This partnership, which marks the closest alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War, comes amidst growing tensions in the region. As Western and South Korean officials voice concerns over potential technology transfers, both Russia and North Korea remain firm in their support for each other. The implications of this military cooperation for regional security and stability are yet to be fully understood, but it is clear that the ties between Russia and North Korea are growing stronger.
