Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has accused Russia of aiding North Korea's nuclear weapons development in exchange for military support.

Speaking after a Nato meeting in Brussels on 4 December, Rutte alleged that Moscow is sharing missile and nuclear technology with Pyongyang in return for ammunition, equipment and troops to bolster its ongoing conflicts.

Rutte warned that the collaboration between Russia and North Korea threatens regional security in East Asia and poses a direct risk to the US mainland. He cautioned Nato against being naive about the Kremlin's support for Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

"There's every reason to make the statement that nuclear technology and missile technology is flowing into North Korea," he said, pointing to a larger alliance between authoritarian states like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia that could destabilise international security.

The issue was discussed during Nato foreign ministers' deliberations on reinforcing support for Ukraine. The meeting, which included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, underlined the importance of allied unity ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, amidst concerns about potential shifts in US foreign policy.

Although Rutte did not disclose specific intelligence to substantiate his claims, they align with previous statements from US officials, who suggested that Pyongyang might be using Russian technology to advance its long-range missile capabilities. This cooperation, they warned, marks a significant shift in the global nuclear balance. Nato's response includes increased collaboration with non-member states such as South Korea, which Rutte described as an "ironclad" partner.

On the same day, British Defence Chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin echoed Rutte’s concerns, describing the situation as a "third nuclear age" characterised by greater unpredictability and danger. Radakin warned of the proliferation of advanced missile technologies, complicating global efforts to contain nuclear threats.

If Rutte’s claims are accurate, Pyongyang may be receiving assistance with its nuclear programme in exchange for deploying troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, with up to 100,000 additional soldiers potentially being sent in the near future.