Russia and North Korea Strengthen Ties Amid Ukraine War
Deepening Relations
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russia’s natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, in Pyongyang, state media said Tuesday, as visiting delegations from Moscow highlighted deepening ties amid the Ukraine war.
Kim met Monday with Kozlov, who is leading a delegation focused on "cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology," the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. A delegation from a Russian military academy also arrived in the North Korean capital, KCNA said, without providing details about the visit.
Military Cooperation
The US and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine, with experts saying Kim was eager to gain advanced technology, and battle experience for his troops, in return. Putin and Kim signed a strategic partnership treaty in June, during the Kremlin chief’s visit to North Korea. The treaty obligates both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other and to cooperate internationally to oppose Western sanctions.
Foreign Policy Realignment?
Experts say Pyongyang could be using Ukraine as a means of realigning its foreign policy. By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labor — potentially even bypassing its traditional ally, neighbour and main trading partner, China, according to analysts. Russia can also provide North Korea access to its vast natural resources, such as oil and gas, they say.
North Korea’s Motivations
In exchange for North Korea’s sending troops, the West fears Russia is offering technological support that could advance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme. The reclusive state recently fired a salvo of ballistic missiles and tested a new solid-fuel ICBM, while Washington has said North Korean troops have begun combat operations alongside Russian forces.
Conclusion
The strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea amid the Ukraine war raise concerns about the potential impact on regional security and global stability. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor the developments closely and assess the implications for the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea?
A: The treaty obligates both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other and to cooperate internationally to oppose Western sanctions.
Q: Why is North Korea sending soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine?
A: Experts say Kim is eager to gain advanced technology, and battle experience for his troops, in return for sending soldiers to Russia.
Q: What are the potential consequences of North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war?
A: The West fears Russia is offering technological support that could advance Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme, and the situation could potentially destabilize the region and global security.