Russia announced on Tuesday that a treaty signed with North Korea earlier this year establishes “strategic cooperation” across various sectors. However, officials refrained from elaborating on the implementation of a mutual defense clause included in the agreement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un formalized the treaty during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June, which encompasses a mutual assistance provision obligating both nations to support each other against external threats.

When questioned about the implications of this agreement, particularly whether it could involve Russia supporting North Korea in a potential conflict on the Korean peninsula or vice versa in a confrontation with Western nations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the treaty’s language was “quite unambiguous” and did not require further explanation. Peskov emphasized that the pact signifies “truly strategic deep cooperation in all areas, including security.”

Rising tensions on the Korean peninsula have been evident, particularly after North Korea destroyed sections of inter-Korean roads and railways on its side of the heavily fortified border, which led South Korea’s military to issue warning shots.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently accused North Korea of sending personnel to support Russia’s military efforts, stating that his intelligence agencies informed him about “the actual involvement of North Korea in the war” in Ukraine. The United States has claimed that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and ammunition. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations of arms transfers but have expressed intentions to strengthen their military cooperation, which may involve joint exercises. Last week, Peskov dismissed the claims regarding North Korean troops in Ukraine as misinformation.

When questioned about whether a forthcoming partnership treaty between Russia and Iran might incorporate a mutual defense clause, Peskov responded on Tuesday, “No. We will discuss its content once it is finalized.”