North Korea ratifies landmark mutual defence treaty with Russia

Tue Nov 12 04:16:01 UTC 2024: ## North Korea Ratifies Military Pact with Russia Amid Growing Concerns Over Ukraine War Involvement

**Pyongyang, DPRK** – North Korea has officially ratified a landmark mutual defense treaty with Russia, solidifying an alliance that has sparked international alarm amid reports of North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine. The treaty, signed in June during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, commits both countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other “using all means” necessary in the event of an attack.

The move comes as intelligence reports from South Korea, the US, and Ukraine indicate that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive in August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia is amassing a force of 50,000 soldiers, including North Koreans, in preparation for a major assault to regain lost territory.

While Moscow and Pyongyang have not confirmed the presence of North Korean troops, the implications of their potential involvement in the Ukraine war have raised serious concerns within the international community and NATO. Zelenskyy last week condemned the West’s perceived lack of response to Pyongyang’s involvement and warned of a “new page in instability” following reported clashes between Ukrainian and North Korean forces.

South Korea, still technically at war with its northern neighbor, is particularly concerned about the deepening Russia-North Korea alliance. Fears have been raised that Pyongyang could receive advanced nuclear technology from Moscow in exchange for its support in Ukraine.

In response to the escalating situation, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has warned that he may send arms to Ukraine if North Korean soldiers are not withdrawn from Russia. He has also stated that Seoul will take necessary measures to ensure the security of the Korean Peninsula in light of the growing cooperation between its primary foe and Russia.

The ratification of the mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea is a significant development with far-reaching implications for regional and global security. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, coupled with the increasing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, presents a complex and volatile situation that requires careful monitoring and decisive action by the international community.