In a decisive move on Wednesday, the Russian Federation Council approved a treaty with North Korea that promises mutual military support. The "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty," originally signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, mandates that both countries offer military assistance using "all means" necessary if either nation faces an attack. This development marks the closest alliance between Russia and North Korea since the Cold War's conclusion.

The treaty's ratification by the upper house of Russian parliament follows its prior approval by the State Duma on October 24. This agreement comes at a time when U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has confirmed the presence of approximately 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region, poised to join Russia's efforts against Ukraine in the coming days. Should these troops engage in combat, it would mark North Korea's first major military involvement since the Korean War ended in 1953.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have been vague in their responses to South Korean and Western claims about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. They emphasize that their military collaboration is compliant with international law but have not directly confirmed the troops' presence.

President Putin recently held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during her official visit to Russia, which began late last week. Choe affirmed Pyongyang's support for what she described as Russia's legitimate efforts to defend its sovereign rights and security interests in Ukraine during her meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Both Russia and North Korea have denied U.S. and allied accusations that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with ballistic missiles and large quantities of artillery shells intended for use in Ukraine. Meanwhile, officials from South Korea and the West have expressed concerns that Russia might transfer advanced technology to North Korea to bolster its nuclear and missile capabilities in return for military support.

Adding to the already high tensions, North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Tuesday, showcasing its military prowess in a move that coincided with the U.S. presidential election.