North Korea and Russia Deepen Military and Economic Cooperation Amid Global Tensions

Vladimir Putin meets with Kim Jong Un. (Wikimedia Commons).

Russia and North Korea are forging closer ties through military, economic, and diplomatic initiatives, signaling a growing alignment against Western powers as the war in Ukraine rages on. Analysts view the deepening relationship as a calculated move to bolster each country’s strategic goals amid shared international isolation.

North Korea’s Military Role in Ukraine

North Korea has sent approximately 11,000 troops to Russia, with some already engaged in combat on the frontlines in Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence. Many of these soldiers are from the elite Storm Corps, who receive training in infiltration, sabotage, and psychological endurance. Observers note that, while North Korean troops lack modern combat experience, their training and motivation set them apart from hastily recruited Russian conscripts.

The deployment is accompanied by arms shipments from Pyongyang, including artillery and rocket launchers. North Korea could leverage this cooperation to gain access to advanced Russian military technologies, potentially enhancing its nuclear weapons and missile programs​​.

Economic and Diplomatic Ties

The growing partnership extends beyond military cooperation. This month, Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology, Alexandr Kozlov, met with senior trade officials in Pyongyang to strengthen economic relations, resulting in an agreement to expand trade and increase charter flights between the two countries. He also met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his top economic official, Premier Kim Tok Hun. Following the meeting, Kim said the nations should promote “inter-governmental trade, economic, scientific and technological exchange and cooperation in a more extensive and diversified way.” 

The relationship is underscored by the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Signed in June and ratified this month, it obliges both nations to provide military assistance to each other in the event of external aggression. Kim claimed that the bilateral relationship has reached “a new strategic level.”

Motivations and Mutual Benefits

For Russia, the alliance addresses critical manpower shortages as the war in Ukraine drags into its third year. Daily casualties have placed immense strain on Russian forces, prompting Moscow to turn to external sources of manpower, including North Korean troops.

For North Korea, the partnership offers financial benefits and the prospect of advanced military technology. Analysts estimate North Korea could earn up to 1.3 billion dollars annually for its contributions to Russia’s war effort. However, the regime’s interest in acquiring technology to boost its weapons programs appears to outweigh financial motivations.

Global Reactions and Concerns

The burgeoning alliance has sparked international concern. South Korea fears that the experience gained by North Korean troops in Ukraine could embolden Pyongyang’s military posturing on the Korean Peninsula. Recent provocations from North Korea, including blowing up roads connecting the two nations and suspending a pact aimed at lowering military tensions between them, compound the unease​.

Meanwhile, NATO officials have labeled the deployment of North Korean forces in Ukraine as a significant and dangerous escalation of the conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the partnership, warning that the transfer of military expertise and resources between Moscow and Pyongyang escalates and expands the war in Ukraine.