The upper house of Russian parliament has ratified a treaty with North Korea that outlines mutual military assistance between the two countries. This move follows the confirmation by the U.S. of the deployment of up to 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
The treaty, known as the 'comprehensive strategic partnership treaty,' was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June. It stipulates that Russia and North Korea must provide immediate military assistance using 'all means' in the event of an attack on either country, marking a significant strengthening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War.
The Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, ratified the pact after it was previously endorsed by the State Duma, the lower house, on Oct. 24.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, with reports suggesting they are preparing to join Russia in its conflict against Ukraine. This potential engagement would mark North Korea's first involvement in a large-scale conflict since the Korean War of the 1950s.
Both Russia and North Korea have responded ambiguously to claims by South Korean and Western officials regarding the North Korean troop deployment, asserting that their military cooperation adheres to international law without directly acknowledging the presence of North Korean forces in Russia.
Recent meetings between Russian and North Korean officials have emphasized mutual support, with North Korea expressing backing for Russia's military actions in Ukraine to defend its sovereign rights and security interests.
Despite denials from Russia and North Korea, concerns have been raised by South Korean and Western authorities regarding the potential transfer of technology from Russia to North Korea to enhance its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for military support.
In a show of military capability, North Korea conducted a test by firing a series of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea just hours before the U.S. presidential election.
