SEOUL: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a landmark mutual defense agreement on Wednesday, during a summit in Pyongyang where Kim expressed his “full support” for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The strategic treaty, hailed by Putin as a “breakthrough document,” includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either party. “It is really a breakthrough document,” Putin said at a news conference in the North Korean capital, adding that it provides for “mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty,” according to Russian news agencies.
The two nations, longstanding allies since North Korea’s establishment post-World War II, have strengthened their ties following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has left Putin isolated on the international stage. The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war efforts, and the new treaty is likely to heighten these concerns.
Putin indicated that Russia does not exclude the possibility of military-technical cooperation with North Korea under the newly signed treaty. Kim, referring to Putin as the “dearest friend of the Korean people,” reiterated North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has led to significant UN sanctions on Moscow.
Moscow, in turn, expressed gratitude for North Korea’s “consistent and unwavering” support, with Putin calling for a review of the UN sanctions imposed on North Korea since 2006 over its banned weapons programs. “The indefinite restrictive regime inspired by the US and its allies at the UN Security Council towards the DPRK should be reviewed,” Putin stated.
Putin also emphasized the joint stance of Russia and North Korea against Western “blackmail” and US hegemony, commending North Korea’s balanced position on the Ukraine conflict. “Today, we are fighting together against the hegemonism and neo-colonial practices of the United States and its satellites,” he added.
The summit in Pyongyang featured a red-carpet welcome for Putin, who was greeted warmly by Kim. The ceremony included a military band and mass synchronized dancing in Kim Il Sung Square. Following their discussions, Putin invited Kim to visit Moscow.
This meeting, the second between the leaders in a year, follows Kim’s visit to Russia’s Far East in September, where they met at a spaceport. Kim noted that the relationship between North Korea and Russia had reached a “new high of alliance” and that the new treaty would significantly contribute to regional peace and stability.
Analysts suggest that Russia’s actions signal a disregard for the sanctions regime against North Korea. Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of Korean Studies at the University of Oslo, stated that Russia would “largely sabotage the sanctions regime around North Korea, in deed if not in word.” He added that the mutual support clause serves as a reminder to the US, which has approximately 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, that Russia could complicate their strategic planning if US support for Ukraine continues robustly.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, described the visit as Putin’s way of thanking North Korea for supporting his invasion of Ukraine and part of Russia’s broader strategy to counter US influence in Northeast Asia. This strategy is further evidenced by Putin’s upcoming visit to Vietnam, highlighting Russia’s efforts to secure strategic alliances in the region.
