Russian lawmakers on Thursday ratified a military pact with North Korea, deepening ties between the two nations as the U.S. confirmed it was aware of the deployment of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
The agreement signals an increased level of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns in the West.
The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, swiftly endorsed the “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang in June.
The treaty obliges both countries to provide immediate military assistance using “all means” if either is attacked, marking the most significant alliance between the two nations since the end of the Cold War.
The Russian upper house is expected to approve the treaty soon, further solidifying the pact.