Aid Pyongyang and start a war with South Korea- Russia- Mutual defense treaty with North Korea clear_1

Amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the Kremlin issued a statement reaffirming the clarity of Russia’s mutual defense agreement with North Korea. This statement comes on the heels of a provocative action taken by North Korea, which, on October 15, destroyed sections of the railway connecting the two Koreas, prompting South Korea to conduct “counter-firing” operations in response.

When asked whether this agreement implies a potential Russian support for North Korea in the event of a conflict, or conversely, North Korea’s assistance in a confrontation with the West, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the wording of the treaty is “very clear and requires no further clarification.”

The global focus is now on the reactions of Russia and China, who share deep ties with North Korea. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning mentioned that the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula go against mutual interests and should be avoided to prevent further escalation.

Around noon on the same day in North Korea, sections of the Gyeongui and Donghae railways were blown up. This act was reportedly in response to allegations that South Korean drones were sending leaflets criticizing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.

The South Korean military reported that the explosion site was just ten meters from the military demarcation line and that no prior notification was given, a clear violation of the armistice agreement. In defending their territory, South Korea issued a loudspeaker warning for North Korea to cease such actions and fired several rounds from machine guns and grenade launchers at sites near the explosion.

The Ministry of Unification in South Korea condemned the act, noting that the railway and access roads were significant collaborative projects established after the 2018 inter-Korean summit. South Korea provided materials and equipment worth $13.29 million to North Korea at its request, further emphasizing North Korea’s obligation to repay this loan and its responsibility for the recent destruction.

Experts reported that while the destroyed liaison roads had been closed for a long time, North Korea has a history of using the destruction of domestic facilities to convey political messages, signaling Kim Jong-un’s lack of interest in negotiations with the South.

In June, during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea, the two countries signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty,” which included provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression. When questioned about this agreement, Peskov remarked on the emphasis on deepening strategic cooperation in all areas, including security.

Amid inquiries regarding the possibility of shared defense elements in an upcoming partnership treaty between Russia and Iran, Peskov responded, “No, we can only discuss its contents once it is prepared.”