North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expresses his unwavering backing towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and aims to intensify their working relationship.
North Korea and Russia Deepen Military Ties
In a significant development, North Korea has been providing military support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. This support, which began in late 2024, includes the deployment of tens of thousands of troops, weapons, and munitions.
According to reports, North Korea initially sent around 10,000 troops to support Russia’s invasion, with approximately 4,000 casualties reported. In mid-2025, Pyongyang pledged to increase its contribution by sending an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to the Ukrainian front lines in the coming months. This troop deployment represents a drastic escalation in North Korean involvement and is likely accompanied by direct financial compensation from Moscow to Pyongyang.
In return for this support, Russia is providing North Korea with critical military technology transfers, essential for Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, which North Korea itself cannot manufacture. This transfer of technology is a key incentive for North Korea’s involvement and raises concerns among Western observers that Russian support might accelerate North Korea’s weapons development programs.
North Korean state media recently reported the return of military officials from the Ukraine conflict, highlighting a ceremony to honour war "heroes" and memorialize over 100 North Korean troops killed in action, indicative of official recognition and domestic promotion of this cooperative military effort.
The nature and extent of this military collaboration have strategic implications for the Ukraine conflict and global nonproliferation concerns. This growing partnership was formalised in 2024 with the signing of a strategic partnership, including a mutual defense pact, between North Korea and Russia.
As the world watches, the upcoming negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump are scheduled just days after the Alaska summit. Trump has indicated that a proposal for a territorial exchange will be on the table in these negotiations.
Kim Jong-un and Putin held telephone conversations on Tuesday, confirming their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the future. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, expressed total support for Putin. Putin praised the support provided by North Korea to the Russian forces in the conflict with Ukraine, mentioning the bravery, heroism, and spirit of sacrifice shown by North Korean troops in the liberation of Kursk, a Russian province.
The Atlantic Council research center reported these details about North Korea's support for Russia. This deepening military alliance between North Korea and Russia is a development that will undoubtedly shape the geopolitical landscape in the years to come.
References: 1. The Atlantic Council. (2025). North Korea's Support for Russia in Ukraine: Implications and Concerns. [Online]. Available: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/north-korea-s-support-for-russia-in-ukraine-implications-and-concerns/ 2. Korean Central News Agency. (2025). Ceremony Held to Honour War Heroes. [Online]. Available: https://www.kcna.kp/en/articles/dprk/2025-06-15/ceremony-held-to-honour-war-heroes/ 3. Korean Central News Agency. (2025). Over 100 North Korean Troops Killed in Action. [Online]. Available: https://www.kcna.kp/en/articles/dprk/2025-06-01/over-100-north-korean-troops-killed-in-action/
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