North Korea and Russia's military pact raises global tensions

Russia is strengthening its ties with North Korea. In June this year, in Pyongyang, the leaders of both countries, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, signed the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the DPRK and Russia." The North Korean leader ratified the agreement with Russia on 11th November. The Russian State Duma and the Federation Council had previously approved the bill for its ratification, and Putin's signature formalised the process.

The treaty between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation includes an obligation for both parties to provide mutual military assistance if their sovereignty is threatened. One of the key elements is providing support in situations involving military conflict. This declaration signifies that in the event of a military attack on one of these countries, the other commits to providing active support, which may influence the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.

The world is closely monitoring the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea. South Korea, Ukraine, and Western countries have already expressed concerns over the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Based on intelligence reports, these countries believe that North Korea may have sent approximately 10,000 soldiers to Russia to support its military actions in Ukraine. Reports indicate that soldiers from Kim Jong Un's regime were deployed to the Kursk region at the beginning of November.

Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia can potentially influence the international balance of power. International organisations and countries dedicated to maintaining stability in Asia must now reconsider their strategies in response to such a potential threat to peace in the region.