Russian lawmakers on Thursday ratified a military pact with North Korea, deepening ties between the two nations as the U.S. confirmed it was aware of the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
The agreement signals an increased level of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns in the West.
The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, swiftly endorsed the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang in June.
The treaty obliges both countries to provide immediate military assistance using “all means” if either is attacked, marking the most significant alliance between the two nations since the end of the Cold War.
The Russian upper house is expected to approve the treaty soon, further solidifying the pact.
Soldiers march in a parade for the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s founding day in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 9, 2018. On Thursday, Russian lawmakers ratified a pact with North Korea envisioning mutual military…
Soldiers march in a parade for the 70th anniversary of North Korea’s founding day in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 9, 2018. On Thursday, Russian lawmakers ratified a pact with North Korea envisioning mutual military assistance. This comes while the U.S. confirmed the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
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Ng Han Guan/AP Photo
U.S. Confirms North Korean Troop Deployment
The U.S. confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to Russia, with the soldiers training at various locations.
U.S. officials called the move a serious escalation, warning that North Korean forces would be considered “fair game” if they engage in combat in Ukraine.
This development follows growing concerns that North Korea has been providing military aid to Russia, including ballistic missiles and millions of artillery shells, which both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied.
Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation Deepens
Russian President Putin has previously suggested that, while there was no immediate need for North Korean troops to join the war in Ukraine, Russia would not hesitate to provide weapons to Pyongyang.
Observers have speculated that North Korea’s military support for Russia could be reciprocated with advanced weapons technologies that would enhance Pyongyang’s ballistic missile and satellite capabilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang, North Korea, on Jun. 19, 2024. On Wednesday, the U.S. confirmed…
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang, North Korea, on Jun. 19, 2024. On Wednesday, the U.S. confirmed that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia.
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Gavriil Grigorov/AP Photo
Such cooperation could have far-reaching implications for regional security in East Asia, while North Korea continues to pursue its missile and nuclear ambitions.
Strategic Alliance Raises Global Concerns
The newly ratified military pact between Russia and North Korea marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, while both nations face increasing isolation from the international community.
The agreement, coupled with the confirmed troop deployment, is expected to further strain relations between Russia and the West, particularly while the war in Ukraine drags on.
Western officials have warned that this deepening alliance could destabilize global security, with concerns that North Korean involvement in the conflict could escalate tensions in both Europe and Asia.
As Russia seeks to bolster its military forces, North Korea may stand to gain valuable military technologies, further complicating the balance of power in the region.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press