On June 19, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership pact which includes a mutual defense clause promising immediate military aid against third-party attacks. The pact involves significant military cooperation, with North Korea supplying artillery shells, ammunition, and ballistic missiles crucial for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea poses multiple threats to global and, specifically, US interests. With the DPRK already expressing unconditional support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, the alliance facilitates the flow of North Korean ammunition and military technology to bolster Russia’s war efforts. The provision of munitions directly imperils Ukraine, escalates threats across Europe, and complicates Western strategies by potentially prolonging the conflict. Additionally, the alliance undermines international sanctions, making it harder to isolate these regimes economically and politically. This partnership has the potential to embolden other authoritarian nations, contributing to greater regional instability in East Asia and beyond.