Washington: The United States has voiced significant apprehensions following Russia’s initiation of a ratification process for a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, which could signal a strengthening military alliance between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, articulated concerns on Wednesday about the escalating security ties between Russia and North Korea. This development comes as the Russian President Vladimir Putin pushed forward a bill through the State Duma, Russia’s lower legislative house, to ratify the treaty.
“We continue to have great concerns about the growing security relationship between Russia and North Korea,” Miller stated, reflecting the U.S. stance on the evolving dynamics between the two countries. The treaty, signed in June by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin, includes provisions for immediate military aid in the event of an armed invasion, reminiscent of their Cold War-era military
alliance.
The agreement’s ratification process began on Monday and has heightened worries about increased military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. This occurs at a time when both nations are under significant diplomatic and sanctions pressure, with North Korea maintaining its nuclear and missile endeavors and Russia engaged in its protracted conflict in Ukraine.