North Korea has ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, according to state media outlet KCNA. Signed by both nations’ leaders in June, the treaty commits each country to provide immediate military and other forms of assistance in case of an armed attack against either.
The treaty’s ratification, signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday, is pending the final exchange of instruments to take full effect. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also endorsed the agreement.
This development follows reports that North Korea has sent tens of thousands of troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, drawing international criticism. The defense pact is seen as a step toward solidifying a formal alliance between the two countries amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
