Mutual Defense Agreement
North Korea has formally ratified a significant mutual defense treaty with Russia, as announced by North Korean state media. This treaty, signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday, marks a new level of military cooperation between the two countries, raising concerns internationally.
Details of the Treaty
Known as the Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, the agreement was initially signed in Pyongyang on June 19 during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit. The treaty requires both nations to provide immediate military assistance to each other, using “all means” necessary if either faces external aggression. Kim Jong Un described the pact as a step towards an “alliance” with Russia.
Deployment of North Korean Soldiers
Reports suggest that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, stationed primarily in the Kursk region, an area that has seen clashes with Ukrainian forces. This development has fueled concerns among Western and NATO countries, though Moscow and Pyongyang have yet to confirm these troop deployments publicly.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently reported that Russia has assembled a force of 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, in the Kursk region. He condemned the international response to North Korea’s involvement, warning that this new cooperation represents a “new page in instability” worldwide. Zelenskyy also noted that Ukrainian forces had engaged North Korean soldiers in combat, reportedly inflicting casualties.
Implications for South Korea
South Korea has reacted strongly to the Russia-North Korea alliance, with President Yoon Suk-yeol warning that South Korea may consider supplying arms to Ukraine if North Korean forces are not withdrawn. South Korean officials have expressed concerns over the possibility of North Korea receiving advanced nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for its support.
Potential Escalation
As the situation unfolds, South Korea has indicated it may take further actions to safeguard security on the Korean Peninsula if North Korea continues its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.