Russia emphasized the significance of the Treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership signed with North Korea, noting that it signifies strategic cooperation in all areas, including security. According to TASS News on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated during a briefing that the North Korea-Russia treaty is important because it deepens strategic cooperation in all areas, including security guarantees.
When asked whether the treaty’s mutual defense clause implies that Russia would support North Korea in a conflict on the Korean Peninsula or that North Korea would assist Russia in Western conflicts, Peskov replied that, according to international media reports, the wording of the treaty is clear and no further explanation is necessary. He also noted that more details would be shared once the treaty ratification process is completed.
The treaty, signed in June by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, states that if one country faces a military invasion and enters a state of war, the other country will provide military assistance and security cooperation.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko also addressed Article 4 of the treaty, which concerns mutual assistance in case of aggression. He explained that if an act of aggression occurs against North Korea, Russia would provide military support under the treaty.
Amid rising tensions between North and South Korea due to North Korea’s claims of South Korean drone incursions and the destruction of an inter-Korean communication road, the North-Russia treaty is expected to receive ratification in the Russian lower house in November. President Putin submitted the treaty for ratification to the lower house (State Duma) the previous day. Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, stated that the issue would be discussed as a priority.
In Russia, the treaty will take effect only after passing through the lower and upper houses, followed by the president signing the ratification document and exchanging ratification instruments between the treaty parties.
Meanwhile, in response to North Korea’s South Korean drone infiltration, Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko argued that South Korea could be labeled as provocations.
