President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership that includes a mutual defence clause, requiring each country to come to the other’s aid if attacked. The pact, finalised on Wednesday after hours of talks in Pyongyang, has heightened Western concerns over growing military and economic ties between the two nations.
Kim described the agreement as an “alliance”, while Putin characterised it as “defensive”, citing North Korea’s right to self-defence. The Russian president did not rule out increasing military-technical cooperation with Pyongyang. Neither side published the full text of the accord, leaving the precise nature of support unclear.
The deal has amplified fears about potential Russian assistance for North Korea’s missile or nuclear programmes. NBC News reported that US intelligence officials believe Russia is providing North Korea with nuclear submarine and ballistic missile technology in exchange for arms for its war in Ukraine. The Biden administration is said to be concerned about possible aid for Pyongyang’s first submarine capable of launching nuclear-armed missiles.
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg echoed these concerns, stating before the summit that the alliance was worried about Russian support for North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes. The top US arms control official, Bonnie Jenkins, indicated that North Korea is likely seeking fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, and ballistic missile production equipment from Russia.
Experts noted that direct aid for North Korea’s weapons programmes would mark a significant shift in Russian policy since the Cold War. James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment suggested Russia may now view a nuclear-armed North Korea as a “fait accompli” and be moving from opposing proliferation to protecting the regime in return for material aid in Ukraine. Alexander Gabuev warned that assistance for space and missile programmes directly connects to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, particularly regarding delivery systems.
