Join KEI for a special panel event, "The U.S.-South Korea Approach toward North Korea-Russia Cooperation,” on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Following the signing of a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” between North Korea and Russia on June 19, 2024, ties between the two countries have only warmed as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. This year, North Korea-Russia relations have notably expanded beyond the security domain, whilst at the same time, deepening within the realm of security.  This heightened relationship, which both sides now refer to as an “alliance,” poses an ever-increasing threat to Washington, its alliance with Seoul, and the broader international community.

Such rapprochement between North Korea and Russia comes at a time when the U.S.-South Korea alliance faces important challenges, not least the commitments and expectations of both countries with respect to their alliance. The need to strengthen U.S.-South Korea ties—however difficult—has never been greater, both in combating mutual threats and furthering cooperation in new areas.