In a strong alliance that worries the West… North Korea agrees to defense deal with Russia

North Korea has ratified a defense treaty with Russia, state media said on Tuesday, confirming the deepening of security cooperation between the two countries in the wake of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

North Korea’s Central News Agency said the treaty was “confirmed by a decree” issued by leader Kim Jong Un, referring to him in his official position as “chief of state affairs of the People’s Republic Democratic Korea. “

The news comes after Russian lawmakers voted unanimously last week to approve the deal, which was signed by President Vladimir Putin after that.

The Central News Agency reported that the treaty will come into effect from the day the two sides exchange verification documents.

North Korea has become one of the most prominent countries supporting Russia in its war with Ukraine.

The West accuses Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with artillery shells and missiles for use in Ukraine, but this support has increased in recent weeks with reports that thousands of troops from North Korea has come to Russia to participate in the fight.

Putin and Kim signed the strategic partnership agreement in June, when the Russian President visited Pyongyang.

This agreement requires both countries to provide military support “without delay” to the other party in the event of an attack, as well as to cooperate internationally against Western sanctions.

Putin praised the agreement in June, calling the document a breakthrough.