The treaty comes amid reports of approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers being deployed to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
In a significant development in international relations, North Korea has officially ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, according to announcements made by state media, amidst rising global apprehensions regarding the escalating military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – the official designation for North Korea – signed a formal decree to ratify the Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with Russia on Monday. This pivotal agreement is set to take effect following the exchange of ratification instruments by both nations, as reported by North Korea’s state-run news agency, KCNA.
This treaty was initially signed in Pyongyang on June 19 during an extravagant state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who underscored the importance of diplomatic and military collaboration. The agreement mandates that both nations provide immediate military assistance to one another through “all means” necessary in the event of any acts of “aggression” directed towards either party.
During his discussions with Putin in June, Kim Jong Un heralded the treaty as a monumental step towards elevating the bilateral relationship between North Korea and Russia, likening the military pact to a formal “alliance” between the two nations.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, ride an Aurus car in Pyongyang, North Korea in this image released by the Korean Central News Agency on June 20, 2024 [KCNA via Reuters]
On November 6, Russia’s parliament ratified the treaty, coinciding with months of increasing security cooperation between the two countries, which included reports of weapons transfers to Russia and the notable dispatch of thousands of North Korean soldiers to assist in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Intelligence from South Korea, the United States, and Ukraine has revealed that at least 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the front lines, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, which has been partially under Ukrainian control since Kyiv’s unexpected incursion into Russian territory in August.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Monday that Moscow has gathered a formidable force of 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, in the Kursk region as it gears up for a significant offensive aimed at reclaiming territories previously lost to Ukrainian forces.
Although Moscow and Pyongyang have not publicly addressed the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, the implications of this deployment have sparked concern within the international community and alarmed NATO members across Europe.
Zelenskyy last week criticized the West for its lackluster response to North Korea’s participation in the conflict, cautioning that a “new page of instability in the world” had begun after encounters between Ukrainian forces and North Korean troops resulted in reported casualties.
For South Korea, which remains technically at war with North Korea, the deepening cooperation between its primary adversary and Russia raises alarm about the possibility that Pyongyang could receive advanced nuclear technology in exchange for its military support in Ukraine.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed serious concerns earlier this month, stating that he might consider supplying arms to Ukraine if North Korean troops are not withdrawn from Russian territory. He emphasized, “If North Korea dispatches special forces to the Ukraine war as part of Russia-North Korea cooperation, we will support Ukraine in stages and also review and implement measures necessary for security on the Korean Peninsula.”
**Interview with Dr. Helen Park, East Asian Affairs Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Park. The recent ratification of the mutual defense treaty between North Korea and Russia is a significant development. Can you provide some context on what this treaty entails and why it matters?
**Dr. Park:** Certainly. The Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships is aimed at solidifying the military and political ties between North Korea and Russia. It formalizes their commitment to providing each other with military assistance in the event of aggression, essentially establishing a military alliance. This is particularly concerning given the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where North Korean troop deployment has raised alarms.
**Editor:** Yes, there are reports of approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers being sent to aid Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. What are the implications of this troop deployment?
**Dr. Park:** The deployment of North Korean soldiers significantly changes the landscape of the conflict in Ukraine. It may provide Russia with additional manpower and potentially bolster their military operations. This move also represents a shift in North Korea’s posture, aligning itself more openly with Russia, which could have broader implications for regional stability and international relations.
**Editor:** How do you think this treaty affects the security dynamics in East Asia, particularly concerning South Korea and the United States?
**Dr. Park:** The treaty escalates tensions in the region, as it signals a more formidable military collaboration between two countries that both South Korea and the U.S. view as threats. It may compel South Korea to reinforce its military capabilities and seek closer ties with the U.S. Moreover, this might lead to a reevaluation of defense strategies by both countries, as they anticipate potential threats from a strengthened North Korean-Russian alliance.
**Editor:** The timing of the ratification is also notable, with Russia’s parliament ratifying it amidst reports of increasing military cooperation. Do you foresee any immediate reactions from the U.S. or its allies?
**Dr. Park:** Expect a strong diplomatic response from the U.S. and its allies, particularly through sanctions or renewed discussions about collective security measures in the region. The alliance indicates a deepening of anti-Western sentiments, and we might see coordinated efforts from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. to counteract the growing influence of this partnership.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Park, for your insights. This treaty does seem to have significant implications for global security dynamics.
**Dr. Park:** Thank you for having me. It will be crucial to monitor the developments closely as they unfold.
