▲ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin after signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, in this photo published by the Korean Central News Agency on June 20, 2024. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
▲ This undated image captured from the Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security of Ukraine shows soldiers suspected to be North Koreans receiving apparent Russian military gear. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) N Korea-Russia

(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim finalizes defense pact with Russia

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with more info, background; ADDS photo)

By Park Boram

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has signed off a defense pact with Russia, the North's state media reported Tuesday, amid heightened concerns over Pyongyang's troop dispatch to Russia.

The treaty on "comprehensive strategic partnership" between North Korea and Russia was ratified the previous day as a decree from the North Korean leader, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported.

The report noted that the treaty will take effect from the day both sides exchanged ratification instruments.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the treaty in Pyongyang in June, which includes a provision committing both nations to mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either side.

Russia's news agency TASS has reported that Putin signed the pact on Saturday (local time).

Since the treaty was forged in June, North Korea and Russia have elevated their military partnership to new heights.

The United States has confirmed that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia's western front-line Kursk region with the possibility of engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces.

In a recent TASS report, Putin mentioned the possibility of the two countries holding joint military exercises, suggesting a further deepening of their military cooperation.

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