Russia Cites ‘Clear’ Putin-Kim Pact, Says Will Defend North Korea If Its Attacked By Seoul, US

Russia pledged military assistance to North Korea if it is attacked, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. Tensions have flared on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyang’s destruction of roads leading to South Korea. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct.14 submitted a treaty on strategic partnership with North Korea to the State Duma for ratification. Putin signed the agreement on June 19, 2024, during a visit to Pyongyang where Kim Jong Un praised him as North Korea’s “dearest friend.”