MOSCOW, Russia: Russian lawmakers unanimously ratified a defence treaty with North Korea, committing both nations to mutual assistance in the event of aggression.
This move marks a significant deepening of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly amid escalating tensions with the West reports AFP.
The State Duma voted 397 to 0 in favor, and the treaty will now advance to the Federation Council for approval.
The treaty raises concerns among the United States and South Korea, who suspect that North Korea has already dispatched thousands of troops to Russia for training.
There are fears these troops could potentially be deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the Kremlin has refrained from commenting on these troop movements, it has described the treaty’s terms as “clear.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed strong support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as a “dearest friend,” indicating a growing alliance between the two nations. This cooperation includes North Korea reportedly supplying weapons to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine .
