Today, the Russian Federation Council approved a joint defense treaty with North Korea amid Western and Ukrainian accusations that Pyongyang may be preparing to send thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
The Federation Council vote, which followed unanimous approval by the State Duma two weeks prior, saw no opposition. Russian President Vladimir Putin had initially signed the treaty in June during his visit to Pyongyang, and it is expected to take effect following his final ratification.
The treaty outlines “immediate military assistance” between Russia and North Korea should either nation come under attack. This agreement has intensified concerns internationally, as reports suggest North Korea might dispatch forces to support Russia in Ukraine, sparking global apprehension.
North Korea previously denied deploying troops to Russia. However, Western sources, including the United States, NATO, and South Korea, allege that thousands of North Korean soldiers are already in Russia for training, with potential plans to engage them on the Ukrainian front.
In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared that his nation “will not stand idly by” as North Korea aids Russia in its war against Ukraine, denouncing the move as a “provocation.”
This development underscores the growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un describing President Putin as his “dear friend.”
