Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a significant defense pact with North Korea, marking a new phase of military cooperation between the two nations. Reports indicate that North Korea has already sent thousands of troops to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Putin reached this agreement during his visit to North Korea in June, though it only became official after passing through Russian parliament and gaining his final signature. The Kremlin shared the ratified treaty on its website this past Saturday.
The agreement cements an expanding security alliance between Russia and North Korea, who have a long-standing relationship dating back to their alliance during the Cold War.
North Korea has emerged as a strong supporter of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with the pact now binding both nations to provide military aid “without delay” if either is attacked. Additionally, the countries pledged to collaborate on countering Western sanctions and to coordinate their stances in the United Nations.
In June, Putin called this pact a “breakthrough document.”
According to intelligence sources, including those from South Korea and Ukraine, around 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia to join the fight against Ukraine. When questioned about these deployments last month, Putin sidestepped the issue, using the opportunity to criticize Western support for Ukraine.
