Moscow’s upper parliamentary chamber approved a treaty with North Korea on Wednesday that outlines mutual military support. This development coincides with reports from the U.S. confirming that about 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia.
The treaty, which establishes a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang in June. It mandates that both nations must provide military assistance “using all means” if either comes under attack. This agreement signifies one of the closest ties between Moscow and Pyongyang seen since the Cold War era.
The upper house of parliament, known as the Federation Council, gave its endorsement following the State Duma’s approval of the treaty on October 24.
On Monday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed to journalists that the North Korean soldiers located in Russia’s Kursk region are preparing to participate in ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Should they engage in combat, it would mark North Korea’s first involvement in a significant military conflict since the Korean War ended in 1953.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have responded noncommittally to assertions from South Korean and Western nations regarding the troop deployment, indicating that their military relations align with international law, though they have not directly confirmed the presence of North Korean forces in Russia.
During a meeting on Monday, Putin engaged with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who had been in Russia for an official visit since late last week. In discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Choe reiterated North Korea’s commitment to support Russia’s military efforts and its aim to protect national interests amid the Ukraine conflict.
Both Russia and North Korea have dismissed claims from the U.S. and allied nations that North Korea has supplied Moscow with ballistic missiles and substantial quantities of artillery shells for use in Ukraine.
Officials from South Korea and allied countries have expressed apprehension regarding the potential transfer of military technology from Russia to North Korea, which could bolster its nuclear capabilities in exchange for troop deployment.
In a show of force, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Tuesday, showcasing its military strength just hours prior to the U.S. presidential election.