Author: Mariam Macharashvili
In June 2024, during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed between Russia and North Korea. It envisages deepening cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including defense, security, economics, and nuclear. During the meeting, the North Korean leader expressed support for all political decisions made by Russia, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, and noted that the strategic partnership agreement is “peaceful and defensive” in nature. Putin outlined the circumstances that had led to the deepening of the partnership with North Korea, stating that Moscow is fighting the hegemonic, imperialist policy of the US and its allies, and is increasing military-technical cooperation with North Korea in response to the West’s support for and transfer of weapons to Ukraine. Of North Korea, Putin noted: “We highly appreciate…the consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including towards Ukraine.”
A key aspect of the agreement is the inclusion of a mutual defense clause, which commits the two countries to provide military support to one another in the event of an attack on either nation. Some analysts suggest that this clause leads the partnership between North Korea and Russia to resemble an effort to form an alliance similar to the US-South Korea or NATO. The growing collaboration between North Korea and Russia raises serious concerns, particularly following intelligence reports from Western nations and Ukraine, which reveal that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, likely to engage in combat operations. Furthermore, this alliance shifts the strategic dynamics in East Asia, threatens US allies in the region, and undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Considering that, since the Cold War, Russia has been a defense partner of North Korea, alongside China, the following question arises: what interests are prompting Russia and North Korea to strengthen their partnership at this time? We explore this question in our blog.
The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea is shaped by both shared circumstances and distinct interests. The common factors primarily include their similar ideological values and the geopolitical context in which they operate. Ideologically, both nations base their nationalistic values and sovereignty on a strong opposition to Western liberalism. North Korea, with its firm anti-imperialist stance, aligns with these principles. Both countries reject the international liberal order and the dominant role the United States plays within it. Kim Jong-un views Russia as one of the leading powers reshaping the global order, while Alexander Dugin, a key ideologist of Putin, openly admires North Korea’s “Juche” ideology. Both Russia and North Korea are facing growing isolation from the West—Russia due to its aggressive foreign policies toward neighboring states, and North Korea because of its nuclear program. This shared concern for avoiding isolation and ensuring their survival drives them to strengthen their cooperation.
Each country, however, also has its own specific interests. The Strategic Partnership Agreement includes not only a mutual defense commitment, but also provides for collaboration in military technology and the exchange of military equipment. Russia’s primary interest lies in replenishing its military stockpiles, while North Korea is a key supplier of military equipment, including artillery shells, which Putin urgently needs to continue the war in the Kursk region and Ukraine. Some experts estimate that Russia fires at least 10,000 artillery shells daily in Ukraine. To sustain this level of firepower, Russia relies heavily on North Korea for artillery ammunition. According to the US State Department, since October 2023, Kim Jong-un has sent over 10,000 shipping containers filled with ammunition to Putin. John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated that North Korean weapons have been used to target Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and people. Intelligence from Western and South Korean sources also suggests that North Korea is preparing to deliver tactical missile systems and winter military uniforms to Russia.
Russia’s interests extend beyond ammunition; it also seeks to bolster its manpower for the ongoing war. According to The Economist, citing documents from the US Department of Defense, between 462,000 and 728,000 Russian soldiers had been killed, wounded, or captured by mid-June 2024. Such losses have not been seen by Russia since World War II. As a result, Putin requires additional troops to sustain the conflict, which is one of the driving forces behind the strengthening of Russia’s strategic partnership with North Korea. Both the Pentagon and NATO have confirmed that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 soldiers to Russia, while South Korea’s presidential administration reports that more than 3,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to the front lines in western Russia.
Another key factor is the unprecedented sanctions imposed by the West on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, which have severely impacted the Russian economy. This has led to Russia becoming almost entirely isolated from the Western world. According to the US’s Annual Threat Assessment Report, by deepening ties with North Korea, as well as China and Iran, Russia aims to counterbalance the worsening relations with the West and demonstrate to the international community that it still has strategic allies.
For North Korea, supplying weapons to Russia provides a means of mobilizing economic resources and advancing its military sector, aligning with its goal of parallel development in both military and economic spheres. Strengthening ties with Russia is also part of North Korea’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China, which currently accounts for over 90% of its total trade. In return for supplying weapons to Putin, North Korea will receive foreign currency and food products, not just from China, but also from Russia, allowing for greater diversification in its resource imports. Additionally, North Korea needs affordable gas and military support for its nuclear program, both of which Russia has promised to provide. While China is North Korea’s primary partner, it does not support the development of North Korea’s nuclear program. This is evidenced by China’s repeated condemnations of Pyongyang’s nuclear tests and its backing of UN Security Council Resolution #1718, which imposed sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear activities. Unlike China, Russia has shown a willingness to assist North Korea’s nuclear and military ambitions, making Russia a more favorable partner for Kim Jong-un.
The Biden administration has imposed stringent sanctions on North Korean individuals and entities involved in illegal cyber and cryptocurrency activities, as well as arms purchases and transfers to Russia, in violation of both U.S. and U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea’s disregard of these sanctions, aided by Russia, undermines long-established U.N. and U.S. policies aimed at convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for potential sanctions relief. Strengthened North Korea-Russia ties may further embolden North Korea and its pursuit of provocative actions against the U.S. and its allies in East Asia, making it increasingly difficult to persuade the regime to change its stance.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and North Korea is designed to deepen cooperation in key areas, particularly the military, economic, and nuclear sectors. Under the terms of this agreement, both countries have committed to assisting each other in the event of an attack and to supplying military munitions. This poses a threat to stability and U.S. allies in the region, and violates U.N. resolutions.
The decision to strengthen ties between Russia and North Korea is driven by both shared and individual interests. Both nations oppose the liberal world order and are seeking allies amid growing isolation from the West. Russia’s primary concern is replenishing its military supplies and mobilizing additional troops for its war in Ukraine, while North Korea views Russia as a critical partner to reduce its economic dependency on China. In return, Russia has promised military assistance to advance North Korea’s nuclear program. With Russia’s backing, North Korea is likely to intensify its provocative actions in East Asia, making it even more challenging to convince the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief.
