China-North Korea-Russia alliance highlighted as Kim's aide to attend Russia's Victory Day festivities, according to sources
Kim Jong-un Puts Distance Between North Korea and Russia
A stark contrast unfolded at this year's Victory Day celebrations, as Kim Jong-un opted to remain home while Russian troops and military vehicles rehearsed in Moscow. This isn't the first time the North Korean leader has skipped the event, favoring a more independent stance for his country.
The absence of North Korean participation at this year's celebrations, which mark the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, is notable given Russia's growing alliance with North Korea.
North Korea's Past and Changing Relationship with Russia
Historically, North Korea was a Soviet proxy, particularly during the Korean War. After the end of the Cold War, North Korea shifted towards self-reliance, but the deep historical roots of their alliance with Russia have resurfaced in recent years.
The post-Cold War period witnessed periods of distance between the two nations, but as international sanctions and shifting global geopolitical landscapes continued, the alliance has reinvigorated significantly.
Operational Cooperation and Deployment
Despite Kim Jong-un's choice to stay home, North Korea has been supporting Russia's war efforts in Ukraine by supplying weapons and deploying troops. According to intelligence, thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, with many stationed in the Kursk region since late 2024.
Joint Military Exercises and Public Admiration
While joint military exercises between the two nations have not been reported, the operational cooperation in Ukraine and the regular public praise exchanged between leaders highlight the deepening and symbolic nature of their alliance.
Victory Day celebrations, traditionally commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, have served as platforms for public admiration and symbolic showcases of their partnership.
It's interesting to note that this is not the first time North Korea has remained absent from significant international events. As the leadership in Pyongyang continues to emphasize North Korea's independence, it's clear that Kim Jong-un aims to differentiate his country from Russian-led efforts.
Table: Key Developments in North Korea–Russia Alliance
| Year | Key Development ||----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Pre-1991 | North Korea as Soviet proxy; close alliance during Korean War || 1991–2010s| Period of distance; North Korea pursues self-reliance || 2023 | North Korea begins supplying weapons (missiles, shells) to Russia for Ukraine war || 2024 | Formal defense agreement signed (November); Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty (June) || 2024–2025 | Deployment of 10,000–14,000 North Korean troops to Russia, mainly in Kursk region || 2025 | Kim Jong-un chooses not to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations, highlighting North Korea's independence.|
- In the face of growing alliance between Russia and North Korea, North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia to support its war efforts in Ukraine.
- Reportedly, thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia since late 2024, with many stationed in the Kursk region.
- Despite the deepening alliance, Kim Jong-un's decision to stay home during Russia's Victory Day celebrations emphasizes North Korea's independence, differentiating it from Russian-led efforts.
