North Korea has officially ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, solidifying a pact signed in June that commits both countries to provide military assistance in the event of an attack. This move comes amidst widespread international criticism over the deepening military cooperation between the two nations, particularly in light of reports that North Korea has deployed tens of thousands of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The treaty, which takes effect upon the exchange of ratification instruments, stipulates immediate military and other assistance using all available means if either side is at war. While the Kremlin denies any communication between Putin and Trump regarding Ukraine, the treaty has been met with alarm by Seoul, Washington, and Kyiv, who claim that North Korean troops have already engaged in combat in Ukraine, resulting in casualties.