North Korea and Russia Strengthen Military Ties Amid Ukraine Conflict
On November 6, 2024, the Russian Federation Council ratified a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, solidifying an alliance that has rapidly evolved since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The treaty, signed during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, ensures reciprocal military assistance in the event of an attack on either nation. This agreement has raised significant concerns in the West, particularly as reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are already stationed near the Ukrainian border, potentially ready to support Russian forces against Ukrainian troops.
The ratification of this treaty reflects a deepening security cooperation between the two countries, both of which find themselves isolated from the international community due to their aggressive military postures and nuclear ambitions. North Korea's Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, recently met with Putin, expressing unwavering support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, stating that North Korea will assist Russia until
South Korea's Role in the Escalating Tensions
The evolving alliance between North Korea and Russia has been partially attributed to South Korea's diplomatic decisions under President Yoon Seok-yeol. South Korean media have characterized Yoon's approach as a
South Korea has taken a more confrontational stance towards North Korea, China, and Russia, highlighted by its decision to send 600,000 rounds of artillery shells to Ukraine. This action did not go unnoticed by Moscow, which subsequently warned South Korea that its longstanding diplomatic approach towards the Korean peninsula would change. As tensions escalate, many South Koreans fear that the conflict in Ukraine could spill over into their region, especially with the recent deployment of North Korean troops in Russia.
In response to North Korea's increasing missile tests, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles, South Korea, Japan, and the United States have conducted joint military exercises. This trilateral cooperation underscores the growing concern over North Korea's military capabilities and its potential involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
