Russia and North Korea: A Pragmatic Partnership

The upward trend in a transactional relationship.

North Korea has been a major military supplier since the start of the Ukraine War. Apart from between 100 and 200 mid-range missiles, North Korea provides the Russian military, according to estimates, with two to six million artillery shells yearly, which would make up to 50% of all shells used against Ukraine. According to intelligence from the US and Ukraine, North Korea has moved as many as 10,000 to 15,000 troops to areas bordering Russia and Ukraine, a rare and significant instance of military activity by North Korea outside of its boundaries.

The fit between Russian and North Korean military equipment supports this alliance. North Korea's military equipment is essentially Soviet-era, which—though often not of the best quality—fits with the equipment and platforms the Russian military today possesses. Given Western sanctions limiting Russia's access to global armaments markets, North Korea's compatibility makes it a valuable supply for war needs.

Urgently Needed Troops Sent

This support meets fundamental demands for Russia, which has battled to recruit. In urgent need of new troops, Russia has raised signing incentives for soldiers to assist in correcting this; in some areas, they exceed $50,000 - more than 12 times the average yearly household income, although numbers differ broadly between rural areas and cities and between them individually. Notwithstanding these incentives, Russia's need for more troops has led it to look for international help, and so far, North Korea's troop count has improved Russia's military capability in some parts of the front line to a good extent.

Arm Deals with Russia Make Almost 20% of GDP

Economically, North Korea deems this cooperation to be essential. Separated from most world commerce due to its sanctions, North Korea's economy has mainly relied on trade with its direct neighbour, with 98% of its foreign trade with the neighbor in 2022. With an estimated $5 billion injected into North Korea's economy, the armaments accords with Russia might explain up to 20% of the nation's GDP. Especially for importing food and other goods needed for the country's existence; the North Korean economy depends on this flow of money.

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