Russia, North Korea cement military pact to outlast Ukraine war

Key facts

• The treaty obligates both states to provide military assistance without delay in case of an attack on the other.
• The pact aims to jointly oppose Western sanctions.
• The treaty will serve as a driving force for an independent and just multipolar world order.
• The US and South Korea accuse North Korea of sending over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia in Ukraine.

A mutual defense pact between Russia and North Korea officially entered into force on Wednesday after the two nations exchanged ratification documents. The open-ended "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" mandates that both states provide immediate military assistance to each other in the event of an attack. This formalization deepens the military and economic ties between the two countries, both of which are subject to extensive UN sanctions. The treaty's ratification comes amid accusations from the United States and South Korea that North Korea has supplied over 10,000 soldiers to support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.