Russia-North Korea Alliance Signals Major U.S. Policy Failure on Nuclear Proliferation
WASHINGTON – A deepening military and technological partnership between Russia and North Korea, culminating in a mutual defense treaty and reported battlefield assistance, represents a significant failure of U.S. and South Korean policy toward Pyongyang,according to a new analysis by Cipher Brief Expert Ambassador Joseph DeTrani. the alliance, solidified throughout 2024, underscores the ineffectiveness of decades-long strategies of “containment and deterrence” and “strategic patience.”
In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a mutual defense treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, formalizing a “Strategic Thorough Partnership” ratified in November 2024. Article 4 of the treaty stipulates that each nation will provide “military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay” if either is subjected to armed invasion.
Evidence suggests this commitment is already manifesting. In October 2024, NATO reported the arrival of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, reportedly joining Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. North Korea is also actively supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, a support stream that continues to this day.
in exchange for this aid, Russia is believed to be assisting North Korea with its weapons programs. This likely includes support for its satellite, ballistic missile, and crucially, its nuclear programs – potentially even aiding in the development of a nuclear-powered submarine program with crucial design elements, materials, and components.
DeTrani argues that this escalating alliance should have been anticipated and proactively addressed. “We should have seen movement in this direction and did more to prevent it from happening,” he wrote in a column first published in The Washington times. He points to the irony of Russia now seemingly advocating for North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, a position directly contradicting its stance during the Six Party Talks - where Russia, alongside China, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., argued against North Korean nuclear development.
The growing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities is described as an “existential threat” to the U.S. and its allies. DeTrani emphasizes that past policies have demonstrably failed to curb North Korea’s progress, evidenced by its robust weapons programs and its strengthened ties with both Russia and China.
Looking ahead, DeTrani suggests renewed diplomatic efforts are crucial, specifically advocating for re-engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, potentially through a return to talks with former President Donald Trump.
The situation is increasingly precarious. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently warned of a “very dangerous situation” where an accidental clash between the Koreas is possible at any time.
Source: Cipher Brief analysis by Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, originally published in The washington Times.
