President Putin ratifies historic defense treaty with North Korea, formalizing a

Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally ratified a historic defense pact with North Korea, amid reports that Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine.

Russian President Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting in June 2024. (Source: AFP)

According to an announcement from the Kremlin on the evening of November 9, this agreement was proposed by President Putin during his visit to North Korea in June and was recently approved by the Russian Parliament.

The pact formalizes the increasingly deep security cooperation between the two countries. North Korea is currently one of the most vocal allies and supporters of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Under the agreement, the two sides pledged to "provide unwavering military support" if one side was attacked. They would also cooperate internationally to counter Western sanctions and coordinate their positions at the United Nations. President Putin hailed the document as a "groundbreaking document." According to intelligence reports from South Korea, Ukraine and the West, North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine.

When asked publicly about the military deployment last month, President Putin did not deny it but instead criticized Western support for Ukraine.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thong-putin-phe-chuan-hiep-uoc-quoc-phong-lich-su-voi-trieu-tien-chinh-thuc-hoa-mot-dieu-293322.html