Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent signing of a defense pact has sparked concerns about the timing and implications of this agreement. The treaty includes a mutual defense provision, requiring each country to provide military assistance should the other be attacked, according to Sue Mi Terry, senior fellow for Korea studies. This comes as no surprise, given Russia’s long history of providing North Korea with arms for its war in Ukraine and likely economic and military aid to improve North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program.
Putin’s declaration that the treaty reflects their desire to “raise our relations to a new qualitative level” raises more questions than it answers. Stephen Sestanovich, George F. Kennan senior fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies, wonders “Why ever?” Why has Russia suddenly become more involved with North Korea, a country that has been isolated from the international community?
The treaty does not commit the two countries to specific actions, but it demonstrates their willingness to work together, with North Korea providing Russia with arms for its war in Ukraine, and Russia likely providing economic and military aid to improve North Korea’s WMD program. This growing partnership between Russia and North Korea is a cause for concern, particularly in Japan and South Korea, which have historically been important countries for Russia.
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
The implications of the treaty are significant, particularly for Ukraine, which has been feeling the impact of North Korean supplies. The pact may increase the flow of arms and military equipment, raising concerns about the potential for escalation. The Chinese government has a mixed view of the pact, with some officials seeing it as a welcome distraction for Washington, while others are wary of Russia diluting its influence over North Korea.
The Biden administration has limited options for responding, but strengthening sanctions on both North Korea and Russia, while promoting trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, may be an effective way to counter the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Ultimately, the Russia-North Korea defense pact is a significant development that poses challenges for the international community. The pact demonstrates the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea, and it raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
