MOSCOW, (TDI): Russian lawmakers have unanimously ratified a defense treaty with North Korea, committing both countries to mutual assistance in the event of aggression.
This move signifies a notable deepening of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly amid escalating tensions with the West.
The development comes a day after the UK and Germany celebrated a significant advancement in military collaboration with the signing of a new defense pact aimed at countering threats from Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The agreement, known as the Trinity House Agreement, was signed by defense ministers John Healey of the UK and Boris Pistorius of Germany, and is designed to strengthen NATO’s “European pillar” in light of heightened eastern tensions.
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The State Duma voted 397 to 0 in favor of the Russia-North Korea treaty, which will now move to the Federation Council for approval.
Concerns have been raised by the United States and South Korea, who suspect that North Korea may have already sent thousands of troops to Russia for training, with fears that these forces could be deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While the Kremlin has not commented on these troop movements, it has stated that the treaty’s terms are “clear.”
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed strong support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as a “dearest friend,” which suggests a growing alliance between the two nations.
Reports also indicate that North Korea is supplying weapons to bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
