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North Korea ratifies a large-scale defence agreement with Russia that provides for mutual military assistance

Володимир Путін і Кім Чен Ин

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un

North Korea has ratified a new defence treaty with Russia that establishes mutual commitments to provide military assistance in the event of an attack on either side, DPRK state media reported on Tuesday. The ratification comes amid reports from the United States, South Korea and Ukraine that thousands of North Korean troops are being sent to Russia to support the war in Ukraine, AP reports.

The treaty, which was signed by the two leaders, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, in June, is the largest defence alliance for the two countries since the end of the Cold War. The state-run KCNA news agency said the treaty will enter into force after the exchange of ratification documents between the two sides.

The ratification was approved by a decree signed by Kim Jong-un, who has the right to make such decisions independently by virtue of his position. The agreement stipulates that in the event of an attack, both countries must use all available means to provide immediate military assistance. In addition, the agreement provides for cooperation in creating a “just and multipolar world order” and expanding partnerships in peaceful nuclear energy, space, food supply, trade and economy.

Analysts believe that the ratification of the treaty could signal North Korea’s official entry into the war on Russia’s side. According to intelligence estimates by the US, South Korea and Ukraine, up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers are already on Russian territory and are likely to fulfil the obligations under the treaty. Last week, Ukrainian officials reported the first clashes with North Korean troops in the border region of Kursk.

These developments are causing concern among US allies, who fear that Russia may provide the DPRK with the latest military technologies to strengthen its nuclear and missile programmes. According to South Korean intelligence, since August 2023, Pyongyang has already sent more than 13,000 containers with artillery, missiles and other weapons to Russia to replenish its dwindling Russian stockpile.

US forces and their allies are closely monitoring the next steps of the two countries, which are rapidly strengthening their military partnership, deepening instability in the international arena.

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