North Korea ratifies defence pact with Russia

Translated by Andrea Solazzo

North Korea recently formalised a defence treaty with Russia, enshrining a commitment of mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either country. This agreement, which had already been approved the previous week by the Russian parliament, was officially adopted on Monday, 11 November 2024, when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a decree making it enforceable. The agreement will enter into force with the completion of the exchange of instruments of ratification between the two nations. According to North Korean news agency KCNA, in addition to the mutual defence commitment, the treaty provides for cooperation in strategic areas such as trade, economics, peaceful nuclear energy, and space research.

This ratification comes at a delicate time for North Korea, which has come under international criticism for sending thousands of soldiers to Russia to support the Russian army in the war against Ukraine. Estimates from the US and South Korea indicate that some 11,000 North Korean soldiers are already reportedly deployed in the Kursk region in support of Russian forces. This deployment appears to be part of the assistance measures provided for in the agreement, which allows military intervention by one of the two countries should the other suffer aggression.

The understanding was originally signed in June 2024, during an official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang. On that occasion, the treaty was described as a ‘historic step’ in strengthening relations between Russia and North Korea, and Putin called it a ‘revolutionary document’ that would intensify bilateral cooperation, particularly in the military sector. Indeed, this agreement includes a commitment to use all necessary means for mutual defence in case of attack.

Meanwhile, the Western powers continue to express concern about North Korea's growing role in the Ukrainian conflict. In addition to military support, the understanding aims to consolidate cooperation on economic and strategic issues. It appears that Moscow is interested in offering Pyongyang access to technology and support in the industrial and technological spheres, fostering the development of new North Korean capabilities and increasing tensions with the West. In a recent meeting, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said that his country will continue to firmly support Russia until victory is achieved, emphasising Pyongyang's solidarity in the ‘sacred struggle’ led by Moscow.

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