On June 19, 2024 in Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes military aid. According to agreement; in case of the parties enters a war due to the foreign invasion, the other party will provide military and other assistance without delay.[1]
Reportedly, North Korea has promised to send military personnel to Ukraine within a month in order to support Russian forces.[2] According to South Korean television Chosun, citing a government official, Pyongyang will send construction and engineering forces to the occupied territories of Ukraine in early July to assist with reconstructions.[3] The soldiers sent to Ukraine will be designated as overseas workers to earn cash for North Korea, which is under sanctions.
Although Pyongyang continues to supply weapons to Moscow, it has not yet directly involved military personnel in the war in Ukraine. In February 2024, Ukrainian officials reported that at least 20 North Korean ballistic missiles, used by Russia in major attacks against Ukraine since last year, had been shot down. It is thought that Pyongyang has already sent close to 1.6 million artillery shells in order to aid Russia’s war effort. According to the Washington Post, North Korea has supplied more than 11,000 containers of ammunition to Russia since autumn 2023.[4]
The dimensions of the military alliance between Russia and North Korea create great concerns in the Western world, especially in the United States. The Pentagon warned that if North Korean soldiers were sent to Ukraine, they could be used “like pawns” on the front line.[5] Concerned about this partnership, allies such as the USA, Japan, and South Korea are also increasing their military preparations among themselves.
With the latest partnership established with Moscow, Pyongyang began to intervene directly or indirectly in the war in Ukraine, deepening its conflict with the West. For instance, Pyongyang reacted to Washington sending weapons to Kyiv. Just a few days after Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, Pak Jong Chon, one of North Korea’s senior military officials, has warned that Washington’s support for Ukraine could lead to a “new world war.”
The West’s increased arms support to Ukraine has strengthened the Russia-North Korea alliance. Ukraine is now allowed to use Western weapons in attacks on Russian territory. The USA was one of the latest countries to approve this. The Pentagon states that Ukrainian forces can use U.S. provided weapons to target Russian forces across the border. As Western involvement developed in the Ukrainian front, Russia is seeking support from North Korea.
On the other hand, when Russia faces logistical support and weapons from Western countries in its military operations against Ukraine, it seeks additional help from North Korea to counter these challenges. North Korea may have fewer restrictions in providing logistics and military supplies to Russia, which is struggling economically because of the sanctions. The partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea includes mutual military assistance. Receiving military equipment, ammunition, or even personnel from North Korea can be analyzed as a strategic move to strengthen Russia’s operations in Ukraine.
Both actors aim to react to the growing presence of Western powers in current or potential crisis areas in the world, especially in Ukraine. For Moscow, receiving additional military support from North Korea can be seen as a strategic move to maintain or shift the military balance on the Ukrainian front.
By getting support from North Korea, Russia may try to prevent the West from gaining the upper hand in global competition as well as thus maintain the regional and international balance of power. Russia’s efforts for expanding its sphere of influence in Eurasia as seen in the example of Russia strengthening its ties with North Korea and Vietnam, drawing attention in the global power conflict.
The primary reason why Russia sought support from North Korea in its war in Ukraine; It can be seen as the West expanding its internal strategic alliances and increasing its support to Ukraine. This condition can be considered as an important development in terms of rising global polarization. Although Russia emphasizes a multipolar world understanding, as long as the war in Ukraine continues, it is heading towards a bipolar structure similar to the Cold War period.
As a consequence, the tensions Russia experiences with the West have crucial role in its relations with North Korea. Russia is seeking new partners to support it in its conflict with the West. North Korea, which is in international isolation and economic difficulties, represents a convenient ally for Russia. Military cooperation holds a critical position in the national defense and foreign policy strategies of both countries. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if this partnership continues to enhance.
[1] “Pyongyang Says It Will Send Troops to Ukraine Within a Month”, Kyivpost, https://www.kyivpost.com/post/34893, (Access Date: 28.06.2024).
[2] “Yakın ‘dostu’ Rusya’nın yardımına koştu… ‘Yeni dünya savaşı’ uyarısı yapmışlardı… Ukrayna’ya asker yollayacaklar!”, Hürriyet, https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/yakin-dostu-rusyanin-yardimina-kostu-yeni-dunya-savasi-uyarisi-yapmislardi-ukraynaya-asker-yollayacaklar-42482022, (Access Date: 28.06.2024).
[3] Ibid.
[4] “Putin would use North Korean troops as ‘cannon fodder,’ US claims”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-would-use-north-korean-troops-cannon-fodder-us-says/, (Access Date: 28.06.2024).
[5] “North Korea risks WW3 as it sends ‘cannon fodder’ troops to fight for Putin in Ukraine”, Mirror, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/north-korea-risks-ww3-sends-33112796#, (Access Date: 28.06.2024).
