Russia’s Federation Council ratified a new defence pact with North Korea on Wednesday, solidifying a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that mandates mutual military assistance if either country is attacked. The treaty, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June, represents the closest alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War. The pact’s approval follows its earlier endorsement by the State Duma on 24 October and coincides with Washington’s confirmation of 10,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region, reportedly pr…