Russia, North Korea Sign Mutual Defense Pact

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang for the second time this month on a mission from President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the rapidly strengthening military and diplomatic alliance between Russia and North Korea. Shoigu is meeting Kim Jong Un to discuss implementing agreements from their June meeting and the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells, at least 100 ballistic missiles, and thousands of troops for its war in Ukraine, resulting in significant North Korean casualties. In April, both countries publicly acknowledged North Korea's direct military involvement, and they have recently signed a mutual defense pact requiring military assistance in the event of an external attack. Western and South Korean officials are concerned that North Korea is receiving advanced Russian military technology and economic aid, potentially boosting its nuclear and missile programs. The deepening alliance has drawn condemnation from the international community, with the UN's Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team citing violations of sanctions.