Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, could potentially exploit his relationship with Putin in negotiations with Trump, if such negotiations were to take place.

GEEZIN' 'N' WHAT: Let's chat about the recent developments in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, shall we? It's been quite the ride, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict!

Here's a lowdown on the key happenings:

A straightforward nod and deployment of troops

The Great Uncovering: Russia and North Korea, historically vague about troop participation in the Ukraine war, have admitted to the presence of North Korean soldiers on Ukrainian soil. This is a shift from their previous debunking tactics [1][4].
Numbers Game: Reports estimate that anywhere between 11,000 to 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to fight alongside the Russian forces, with an initial group of around 12,000 soldiers and more reinforcements [1][4].

Munitions and Tanks

Cannon Fodder: North Korea has been a significant provider of artillery shells to Russia, with around 4 to 8 million shells passing hands. Surmises suggest that about half of the artillery shells fired by Russian forces are North Korean-made [1].
Iron Beasts: There are whisperings that North Korea may be boosting its tank production to support Russia, but these claims are still up for debate [3].

The Greenbacks and Alignments

Cash Cows: North Korea's profits from the Ukraine war are estimated to be approximately $20 billion, mainly from munitions selling sprees [3].
Strategic Maneuvers: This cooperation demonstrates North Korea's ambition to diversify partnerships, reducing dependence on China and possibly advancing its military technologies like submarine-launched ballistic missiles [3][4].

War of Words

Leaders Speak: Kim Jong-un terms North Korea's involvement as a "sacred mission" to strengthen ties with Russia, while Putin expresses heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers [4]. The Russian Chief of General Staff, Gerasimov, commends the professionalism of the North Korean soldiers [1].

And that's the lowdown, my friend! This ain't just a friendly dance between nations; it's a strategic waltz with significantly hefty implications. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more updates in this wild ride!

Enrichment Data insights:

Overall: The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has escalated, especially in the context of the Ukraine war. Key developments include troop acknowledgment and deployment, munitions support, tank production, financial gains, strategic alignment, and public statements.
Key developments: Both Russia and North Korea have acknowledged the participation of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war. Estimates suggest that between 11,000 and 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to fight alongside Russian forces. There have been reports of North Korea supplying Russia with artillery shells and potentially increasing tank production.
Financial gains and strategic alignment: North Korea is said to have earned around $20 billion from its involvement in the Ukraine war, primarily through munitions sales. This cooperation reflects North Korea's strategic interest in diversifying partnerships to reduce reliance on China and potentially advancing its own military technologies.
Leaders' statements: Kim Jong-un referred to North Korea's actions as a "sacred mission" to strengthen ties with Russia, while Putin expressed gratitude for North Korean soldiers' sacrifices. Gerasimov, the Russian Chief of General Staff, praised the professionalism of the North Korean soldiers.

The recent developments in international politics have shown a strategic waltz between Russia and North Korea, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts like the Ukraine war.
Reports suggest that approximately 11,000 to 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in defense of Ukraine, reinforcing Russian forces.
In terms of defense supply, North Korea has been a significant provider of artillery shells to Russia, with around 4 to 8 million shells exchanged.
The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is not just a friendly dance; it's a significant move with potential implications that may strengthen North Korea's military technologies such as submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
General news outlets have reported North Korea's estimated earnings of about $20 billion from the Ukraine war, mainly from munitions Sales, reflecting an intent to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on China.