North Korea, Russia Pledge Mutual Defense, Surprising Many

North Korea and Russia officially Pledge their alliance with a mutual defense pact, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revealed today. The signing took place during Putin’s historic visit to Pyongyang.

After a day full of significant events, Putin and Kim put pen to paper on a “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement,” marking a formal step up in their relationship that has been growing since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

While the treaty’s details have not been made public, Putin mentioned that the agreement includes a clause that guarantees mutual aid in case of aggression against either of the nations.

North Korea and Russia pledge mutual defense, this decision marks a significant shift in Russian policy towards North Korea, potentially leading to the revival of a mutual defense treaty that was previously abolished after the Soviet Union’s collapse.

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After the signing ceremony, Kim described the bond as an “alliance,” although Putin refrained from using the same term in his public statements.

In a Kremlin statement, Putin mentioned that Russia is open to expanding its collaboration with the DPRK in defense and technology, hinting at further developments in the future.

This development will likely unsettle Western leaders, who have criticized the Russian-North Korean partnership as a breach of international laws. U.S. officials have accused North Korea of providing Russia with numerous munitions, including ballistic missiles, for deployment in Ukraine.

The unexpected treaty signing has surprised many experts, who had anticipated a less formalized relationship between the two nations.

“Kim Jong Un has managed to secure more concessions than anticipated for his support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine,” remarked Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert and professor at King’s College London.

This move seems to be an effort to revive the Soviet-era ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, although some analysts remain skeptical about the depth of the relationship.

“While this is a significant development, we must observe the partnership’s progress over several years to confirm a definitive shift in the relationship,” noted Pacheco Pardo.

Almost there, but not quite!

In recent years, Russia and North Korea have shown a united front as their relationships with the West have soured. However, this partnership has faced some significant challenges.

As recently as 2017, Russia backed United Nations Security Council resolutions against North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Now, Russia is against these sanctions, with Putin criticizing them as part of a “confrontational U.S. policy.”

The treaty relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have also been rocky.

In 1961, North Korea and the Soviet Union signed a friendship and mutual assistance treaty that allowed for military intervention in emergencies. This agreement was terminated after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

A new treaty was signed in 2000, but it focused more on economic matters rather than military ones. Russian officials claim that this latest document will replace the previous pact.

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Kim Gunn, a South Korean lawmaker and former top nuclear envoy, criticized the signing of the mutual defense clause, stating that it is “only harmful to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.”

However, Kim believes that this move is more about creating the appearance of an alliance rather than an actual one. “Don’t be fooled by the show

Every little detail counts

The language used in any new treaty signed by Putin and Kim will be meticulously analyzed by analysts, especially if the agreement text is made public.

Apart from North Korea, Russia has established comprehensive strategic partnerships, which are the highest level of interstate relations, with countries like Vietnam, Mongolia, and certain Central Asian nations. However, it is important to note that not all of these relationships are referred to as alliances.

According to Mason Richey, an associate professor at South Korea’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the specific language used in these agreements is crucial in determining the commitments and obligations made by the parties involved. He believes that an alliance would involve mutual assistance in the event of an attack.

Richey, however, expresses skepticism about the supposed alliance between Russia and North Korea, particularly due to Russia’s inconsistent track record in supporting its strategic partners since the end of the Cold War. He cites the example of Armenia’s last war with Azerbaijan, where Russia did not provide much assistance to its supposed ally.

When asked about the North Korean-Russian treaty development, former Russian diplomat Georgy Toloraya believes that the agreement signifies “nuclear umbrellas.” However, he clarifies that security guarantees should not be equated to an alliance.

The signing of the treaty on Wednesday marked the end of a busy day for Putin, who arrived at the Pyongyang airport later than anticipated, around 3 a.m. Despite the late hour, Kim warmly greeted Putin with a hug on a red carpet rolled out next to the Russian leader’s plane.

In Pyongyang’s central Kim Il Sung Square, the Russian leader was greeted with an extravagant welcome ceremony. The buildings were adorned with enormous Russian and North Korean flags, creating a majestic atmosphere. As Putin and Kim observed an honor guard, the residents of North Korea waved vibrant flower bouquets in celebration.

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As the talks commenced, Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea for their unwavering support in Russian policy, particularly in Ukraine. Kim, in turn, voiced his complete support and solidarity for what he referred to as Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. He pledged his unconditional support for Russia’s policies, solidifying their alliance even further.

In a gesture of friendship, Putin gifted Kim a luxurious Russian-built Aurus limousine, marking the second time he has bestowed such a gift upon him in recent months. Russian television captured the moment as Putin took the wheel, taking Kim for a ride around the grounds of the renowned Kumsusan Palace, which houses the preserved bodies of Kim’s father and grandfather.

With his visit to North Korea coming to an end, Putin was scheduled to depart for Hanoi, the next destination on his foreign tour.