On November 9, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified a treaty establishing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with North Korea, which includes provisions for military assistance between the two nations. The treaty was initially signed during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June and had previously been approved by both the State Duma and the Federation Council of Russia.
The agreement stipulates that if either party is under armed attack from any state or states, the other will provide military and other assistance using all available means. Additionally, it calls for immediate bilateral coordination to address any imminent threats of armed aggression.
Reports indicate that North Korean military personnel have been present in Russia, allegedly participating in the conflict in Ukraine. U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers are in Russia, undergoing training at military facilities in the Far East. Some of these troops have reportedly been deployed to the Kursk region, where they have suffered casualties.
Furthermore, North Korean officers are reportedly assisting Russian forces in utilizing weaponry previously supplied by Pyongyang for attacks on Ukraine. The influx of North Korean soldiers into Russia has been documented since at least September, with a significant spike in July when 3,765 North Koreans entered Russia, claiming to be "students"—a record number.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), along with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Ukraine, has condemned the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, describing it as a dangerous expansion of support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. NATO has also criticized Russia for neglecting the topic of North Korea's denuclearization, which violates several UN Security Council resolutions.