Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during a summit, Wednesday. Putin highlighted that the new pact includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either country. Kim emphasized that the treaty signifies an elevation of bilateral relations to the status of an "alliance." On Thursday, North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, unveiling the treaty text, said the two sides agreed to immediately provide all available military and other assistance in case a signatory is attacked. Earlier, Putin refrained from specifying whether the new military deal would mandate automatic and immediate military intervention in the event of an attack, similar to the 1961 pact between Russia and North Korea during the Cold War era. This treaty has raised concerns among South Korea, the United States and its other Asian allies. It will enable North Korea to enhance its support for Russia's military operatio ns in Ukraine, while Russia will assist North Korea in expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including submarines and satellites. North Korea's potential acquisition of state-of-the-art Russian military technology will become a game changer in determining the security situation in Northeast Asia. In fact, Putin did not rule out the possible enhancement of military technology cooperation. In response to the conflict in Ukraine, the two autocratic nations have reportedly engaged in military exchanges, with North Korea providing artillery shells and other conventional weapons to Russia. In return, Russia is said to be providing satellite technologies, as well as energy and food supplies, to North Korea. Amid the protracted Ukraine war, Moscow's reliance on Pyongyang has increased, and their relations have come ever closer. The two leaders revealed a strong commitment to solidify bilateral relations. Kim pledged full-fledged support for Russia's operation in Ukraine. Russia's recent move is regrettab le, as it comes amid South Korea's relentless efforts to prevent Seoul-Moscow relations from deteriorating further. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should lodge strong protests against Russia and take necessary measures to cope with the recent shift in the security situation. Speaking at his summit with Putin, Kim vowed to expand strategic communication with Russia and pledged full support for Moscow's policies. Putin's inclusion of the Russian defense minister and the head of the state-run aerospace company Roscosmos underscores Russia's commitment to enhancing cooperation in military technology, including surveillance satellites. Both Kim and Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening solidarity against what they perceive as U.S. hegemony. The collusion between the two rogue states is posing a threat to the entire global community. In a contribution to the North's Rodong Sinmun, Putin indicated he would acknowledge the North's attempt to develop nuclear weapons. Given Russia's position as a permane nt member of the United Nations Security Council, Moscow's abandonment of efforts toward North Korea's denuclearization poses a serious threat to South Korea and the region as a whole. Putin's threats to use nuclear warheads against Western countries involved in the Ukraine war have raised significant concerns. The recent treaty between Russia and North Korea is likely to embolden North Korea, potentially increasing threats against South Korea with its tactical nuclear weapons. Russia's recent actions are deeply regrettable, especially given South Korea's efforts to improve strained relations. Despite measures such as extending visa waivers for visiting Russians and sending the South Korean ambassador to attend Putin's inaugural ceremony, which contrasts with Western boycotts, the South has also refrained from supplying weapons to Ukraine under external pressure. However, Russia's decision to strengthen ties with North Korea to obtain artillery shells and weapons is deemed inappropriate and concerning. Sou th Korea, for its part, should do more to strengthen relations with the United States and Japan, to warn both Russia and North Korea against any measures that cross the red line. Diplomatic and military talks between Seoul and Beijing, held concurrently with the Putin-Kim summit, should aim to contain military exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow. China should take a more proactive role in easing escalating tensions in the region. In a display of goodwill, Putin expressed appreciation to Seoul for refraining from directly supplying weapons to Ukraine. The Kremlin quoted Putin as saying during a meeting with journalists on June 5, "We observe that there is no Russophobic sentiment in the actions of the South Korean leadership." Putin expressed hope that bilateral relations between Seoul and Moscow would not worsen further, emphasizing Russia's intention to develop relations with the entire Korean Peninsula. "The channel is open on our side, and we are ready," Putin said. Despite closer ties between Russia and North Korea, he stressed the importance of South Korea and Russia redoubling efforts to mend ties. Russia may need further cooperation with South Korea mainly in economic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, home appliances and automobiles. To boost bilateral relations, Russia should refrain from taking excessive measures that threaten the security of the Korean Peninsula. Source: Yonhap News Agency