Russia–North Korea strategic partnership: troops, weapons, and new agreements

According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea may send additional troops to Russian territory in July or August of this year, reports reuters.com. The information indicates that the DPRK is preparing to mobilize not only combat soldiers, but also various military builders, sappers, and logistics groups. It is also noted that the country continues to supply weapons and military equipment to Russia.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), in its analysis, cited the recent visit of a high-ranking official from the Russian presidential security service to Pyongyang as an important fact. This visit reportedly further strengthened the military and technical cooperation between the two countries. South Korean intelligence also stated that it obtained information that North Korean troops have been prepared to participate in joint operations in Ukraine. Sources say the DPRK may receive technical consultations from Russia regarding satellite launches and missile guidance in return.

In recent months, military ties between Russia and North Korea have significantly intensified. Notably, in June, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, paid two official visits to Pyongyang. After these meetings, Kim Jong-un decided to send thousands of sappers and military builders to the Kursk region. Thus, the DPRK made an even more open and direct declaration of support for Russia in Ukraine.

In June of this year, Russia and North Korea signed a major agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership. According to this deal, if either country is attacked, the other party is obliged to provide immediate military assistance. This agreement sparked serious debate in the global community and marked a new stage in international relations.

Sources note that in April, Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov was the first to confirm the participation of DPRK soldiers in operations against the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region. And in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially expressed gratitude to North Korea for its military support.

This situation is contributing to the further complication of the geopolitical climate in the region and raising new concerns in the international community. The Russia–North Korea partnership and developments in Ukraine are expected to trigger further political analysis and discussions in the coming weeks. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!