North Korea Emerges as Russia’s Key Ally Amid Ukraine War

North Korea has solidified its position as a crucial ally for Russia, surpassing Iran and China in importance, according to Oleg Ignatov, senior Russia analyst for Crisis Group.

The alliance has been strengthened by North Korea’s supply of ammunition and heavy weapons to Russia, which has been used in the ongoing war against Ukraine. “North Korea supplies Russia with ammunition and some types of heavy weapons. As for the North Korean soldiers, Russian sources say they are professional and disciplined,” Ignatov said.

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has entered a qualitatively new phase since the start of the war in Ukraine, with both countries sharing common values and strategic partnership. Neimat Khalilov, a political scientist and member of the Digoria expert club, noted that Russia and North Korea have resumed traffic along their border, exchanging goods such as coal, fertilizers, and iron ore for seafood and rare earth metals.

This alliance is not one-sided, as North Korea also benefits from its relationship with Russia. Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow with the Stimson Center’s 38 North and POSCO fellow with the East-West Center, pointed out that North Korea gains valuable experience in modern warfare, which South Korea lacks. “From a policy point of view, North Korea’s improved ties with Russia give Kim Jong Un greater strategic manoeuvrability, due to immediate benefits like Russia’s oil and wheat shipments and possible transfers of military technology to North Korea,” she said.

Moreover, North Korea’s relationship with Russia provides Kim Jong Un with stronger leverage vis-a-vis China, potentially altering regional dynamics. “North Korea’s relationship with Russia gives Kim stronger leverage vis-a-vis China, which could have broader regional implications in the longer term,” Lee added.

Reports indicate that North Korea is planning to deploy up to 30,000 more soldiers to support Russia in the Ukraine war. Ukrainian intelligence sources revealed that North Korean troops have already participated in fierce battles over the region of Kursk in western Russia, partly occupied by a Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to Khalilov, the deployment of about 15,000 North Korean forces on the Kursk battlefield was provided for by Article 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed by Putin and Kim last June.

The Kremlin initially denied claims of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian troops but later confirmed their presence. Putin thanked “our Korean friends” for acting out of “solidarity, a sense of justice, and true comradeship” during the battle for Kursk, while Kim praised his soldiers on their “sacred mission”.

This deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia poses significant challenges for the international community. As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, North Korea’s support will likely play a crucial role in shaping the conflict’s outcome. The United States and its allies must consider the implications of this alliance and develop strategies to address the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia.