US Expresses Concern Over Putin's Submission of North Korea-Russia Treaty Ratification Proposal

The U.S. government expressed concern as Russia began the ratification process of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" (North Korea-Russia Treaty) signed with North Korea.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the State Department, stated on the 16th (local time), "We have serious concerns about the enhancement of the security (cooperation) relationship between Russia and North Korea."

Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the ratification bill for the North Korea-Russia Treaty to the State Duma on the 14th. The treaty includes provisions that if one country is subjected to armed aggression, the other will provide military assistance. The treaty was signed after President Putin held a summit with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang in June.

The White House also expressed concerns about the strengthening of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said regarding reports that North Korea deployed troops to assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, "We have always expressed concerns whenever questions arise about other countries supporting Russia."

Regarding the recent tensions on the Korean Peninsula, she said, "We will always be concerned (about the situation on the Korean Peninsula) and will continue to closely monitor it in coordination with our ally South Korea." She added, "We will continue to urge North Korea to de-escalate tensions and to refrain from any actions that could increase the risk of armed conflict."

Earlier, on the 15th, North Korea blew up sections of the inter-Korean connecting roads on the Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line. Following the blockade of the Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line railways in August, the destruction of the roads after about two months has completely severed the land routes between North and South Korea.