The military partnership between North Korea and Russia has been growing significantly since the meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year. The upcoming trip of Putin to North Korea after 24 years highlights the strengthening ties between the two countries. The visit is expected to focus on expanding military cooperation, as both countries face escalating tensions with the West.
Following the meeting between Kim Jong Un and Putin in 2019, military, economic, and other forms of cooperation between North Korea and Russia have seen a significant rise. Accusations have been made by US and South Korean officials alleging that Pyongyang has been providing Russia with military equipment to help prolong its fighting in Ukraine. However, both North Korea and Russia have denied these accusations, which would violate UN Security Council resolutions.
The Kremlin has expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s support in Ukraine and praised their cooperation in international organizations. Russia and China have consistently blocked attempts by the US and its allies to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea due to its banned ballistic missile tests. Experts suggest that North Korea hopes to obtain advanced weaponry from Russia in exchange for providing artillery munitions and short-range missiles.
Andrei Lankov, an expert on North Korea, has highlighted the demand for ammunition in times of war, indicating that Russia sees value in receiving munitions from North Korea. While there may be reluctance on Russia’s part to share state-of-the-art military technologies with North Korea, the exchange of military equipment is beneficial for both parties. This growing partnership between North Korea and Russia signifies a shift in power dynamics and highlights the strategic collaborations between the two nations.
The meeting between Putin and Kim Jong Un is expected to further solidify their military cooperation and foster stronger ties between North Korea and Russia. As both countries continue to face pressures from the West, this partnership serves as a strategic alliance to counter external threats and enhance their military capabilities. The visit of Putin to North Korea after a long hiatus signals a new chapter in their relationship and opens up possibilities for further collaboration in various sectors.
The economic and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is likely to have long-term implications on regional stability and security dynamics. The exchange of military equipment and technologies between the two countries could impact the balance of power in the region and have repercussions on global politics. Despite international scrutiny and criticism, North Korea and Russia have found common ground in their shared objectives and strategic interests, paving the way for a closer partnership in the future.
