![Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signed off on a military alliance in Pyongyang, North Korea in June [Reuters]](https://kumasi.city/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-06-19T120819Z_1029865475_RC2AE8A9I464_RTRMADP_3_NORTHKOREA-RUSSIA-1719212204-770x470.webp)
- The pact commits Russia and North Korea
- Pyongyang official criticized the US for sending arms to Ukraine
- Washington reaffirmed its "ironclad" military support
The US, South Korea, and Japan have jointly denounced the new military alliance between Russia and North Korea, expressing “grave concern” over the defense pact signed during President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea.
The pact commits Russia and North Korea to provide aid if either is attacked, sparking alarm among the three allies who fear it threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and undermines global non-proliferation efforts.
Meanwhile, a Pyongyang official criticized the US for sending arms to Ukraine, amid Russia’s ongoing war against its neighbor.
In response, the US, South Korea, and Japan have pledged to strengthen their diplomatic and security cooperation to counter North Korean threats, with Washington reaffirming its “ironclad” military support for its allies.
