North Korea has ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, initially signed by their leaders in June, which mandates mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. This pact, which includes provisions for military cooperation, was “ratified as a decree of the president of the state affairs” by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media KCNA on Tuesday. The move follows Russia’s upper house of parliament approving the treaty last week and Vladimir Putin signing it into law, solidifying growing security cooperation between the two nations amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The pact, signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a June summit, revives the countries’ mutual defense obligation under a 1961 treaty that expired following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It states that either party could use all means to provide military assistance if one is attacked, which is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which preserves the right of self-defense actions by any UN member.
Observers say the pact gives Pyongyang legal cover for sending tens of thousands of its troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. Western governments have accused North Korea of providing Moscow with artillery shells for the war in violation of UN sanctions against the country. The DPRK has rejected the allegations.
South Korea reacted furiously to the report of the ratification of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, saying it was an alarming step that could lead to further escalation. Seoul national security adviser Chang Ho-jin said the pact could force the country to reconsider its policy of not selling arms to countries involved in the conflict, adding that the DPRK must stand up to Pyongyang’s provocations and threats “overwhelmingly and decisively.”
A Korean Council for International Cooperation (KCIC) spokesman condemned the ratification and called for an immediate treaty suspension. “It is of great concern to anyone who has a real interest in mainta