In December 2024, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) and Russia signed a mutual defence treaty, representing a new level of elevation in their strategic partnership. This Treaty requires the two undersigned to provide military support in the event of an attack on one of the partners. The Treaty further provides for coordinated resistance to Western sanctions. In 2024, South Korea’s security advisor reported that Russia delivered anti-aircraft missiles to North Korea, aimed at reinforcing Pyongyang’s air defence system. Additionally, Moscow has also been reported to provide economic support to DPRK through oil and other materials for their troops. Russia’s support of DPRK, while engaging in arms control talks, undermines the validity of negotiations such as the New START treaty and the broader agenda of global disarmament. It challenges the integrity of arms control agreements where a principal signatory is seen to be sanctioning a proven abuser.
Russia and North Korea’s Partnership: A Rising Concern for Nuclear Non-Proliferation
