North Korea’s Unequal Support for Russia in the Ukraine War: A Closer Look

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the relationship between North Korea and Russia has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the military support exchanged between the two nations. A recent report from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, a German think tank, sheds light on this partnership, revealing a stark imbalance in the benefits each country derives from their alliance.

A Disproportionate Exchange

The report, titled “Unequal Partnership,” indicates that since the beginning of 2023, North Korea has supplied Russia with military equipment valued at approximately $9.8 billion. This includes millions of artillery shells, rockets, and mortar rounds, as well as hundreds of artillery systems and launchers. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is estimated to have sent around 15,000 troops to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

In contrast, North Korea’s gains from this partnership are significantly lower, estimated to be between $457 million and $1.19 billion. The disparity raises questions about the long-term viability and strategic value of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

Limited Economic Returns

Despite the substantial military aid provided to Russia, the report highlights that North Korea has not seen any meaningful influx of hard currency. The financial transactions between the two nations appear to be largely confined within the Russian banking system, limiting the economic benefits for Pyongyang. This situation underscores the uneven nature of their alliance, where North Korea seems to be contributing more than it receives.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s study warns that this partnership poses an increasing threat to European security. It calls for the European Union to implement stricter controls on dual-use technology, enhance intelligence cooperation with South Korea and Japan, close existing energy loopholes, and bolster its diplomatic presence in Pyongyang.

Strategic Gains for North Korea

While North Korea’s immediate economic returns from its support for Russia are minimal, the report suggests that the regime may be pursuing longer-term strategic advantages. These include battlefield testing of its own weapons systems, potential access to technological advancements, and a degree of political recognition through closer ties with a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has intensified, especially following the signing of a mutual defense pact in 2024. This agreement obligates both nations to provide military assistance using “all means” necessary should either face aggression.

Casualties and Human Cost

The human cost of this alliance is also significant. While the exact number of North Korean soldiers killed in the conflict remains unclear, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that around 2,000 North Korean troops have lost their lives in the war. In a recent gesture, Kim Jong Un met with the families of these fallen soldiers, expressing condolences for their “unbearable pain” and promising a “beautiful life” for the bereaved.

This acknowledgment of casualties reflects the grim reality of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict and raises ethical questions about the sacrifices made by its soldiers in support of Russia’s military ambitions.

The Asymmetry of Relations

Despite the apparent “remarkable momentum” in relations between North Korea and Russia, the report emphasizes that the partnership has taken on a distinctly asymmetric character. While Moscow has reaped significant military support for its operations in Ukraine, the benefits to Pyongyang have been limited and largely symbolic.

Russian support for North Korea has mainly consisted of food, fuel, air defense systems, and potentially some fighter aircraft. However, these contributions do not match the scale of North Korea’s military assistance to Russia, highlighting the lopsided nature of their alliance.

Conclusion

The evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia underscores the complexities of international alliances in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. As both nations navigate their partnership, the implications for regional and global security remain significant. The report from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and strategic responses from the international community, particularly Europe, in light of this uneven alliance.

Key Facts

– North Korea has provided Russia with military support worth approximately $9.8 billion since 2023.
– The estimated economic gains for North Korea from this support range from $457 million to $1.19 billion.
– North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, with an estimated 2,000 casualties reported.
– The military cooperation has intensified following a mutual defense pact signed in 2024.
– The partnership poses a growing security threat to Europe, prompting calls for stricter controls and enhanced intelligence cooperation.

Source: www.aljazeera.com