S. Korea Expresses Concerns Over Russian Ratification of Defense Treaty with N. Korea

SEOUL: South Korea has expressed "grave concerns" regarding the ratification of a bilateral treaty between Russia and North Korea, which includes a mutual defense clause. The development comes amid reports of North Korean troop deployments to Russia. According to Yonhap News Agency, Russia's State Duma ratified the treaty in a plenary session on Thursday, following its submission by President Vladimir Putin earlier this month. The treaty, signed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Putin in June in Pyongyang, establishes a "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two nations. It commits them to providing military support "without delay" if either country is attacked. A South Korean foreign ministry official stated the government's concerns about the ratification process, especially considering North Korea's recent military movements toward Russia. The official urged North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russian territory and cease any illicit cooperation with Moscow. The South Korean government emphasized its readiness to take necessary actions based on the extent of cooperation between Russia and North Korea. It also affirmed its commitment to collaborate closely with the international community in response to these developments.