Putin: "North Korea-Russia Treaty Military Support Timing and Method to Be Decided Independently"

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 25th (local time) that the timing and method of applying the mutual military support clause in the treaty signed with North Korea is a matter for Russia and North Korea to decide themselves.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), who made a state visit to North Korea, and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un are toasting at a state banquet held in Pyongyang on June 19. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Sputnik and TASS news agencies, President Putin made this remark during an interview with Russia's state broadcaster Rossiya 1 regarding the mutual military support clause in the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" signed between Russia and North Korea.

President Putin pointed out that Article 4 of the treaty, which states that "if one party is subjected to armed aggression and enters a state of war, the other party will provide military support," is the key issue. He then explained, "We are in contact with our North Korean friends. When there is a need for us to make a decision, we will certainly decide, and our North Korean friends also hold a corresponding position."

He emphasized, "This is our sovereign decision," adding, "Whether we apply it or not, where and how we apply it, whether it is necessary, for example, limiting participation to conducting some training and sharing experiences, is entirely up to us." He also said, "We have always heard that how Ukraine ensures its own security and whether it cooperates with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is Ukraine's issue," and that the decision on military support between North Korea and Russia is a similar matter.

Regarding the situation of Ukraine's "special military operation," when the host mentioned various proposals such as a Korean-style armistice or freezing the current state, Putin responded, "Russia will not make any concessions to resolve the Ukraine conflict," and added, "Whatever the outcome, it must be favorable to Russia."