Russia and North Korea have a long history of political and military cooperation, but recent developments suggest a growing strategic alliance.
As Moscow continues its war in Ukraine, Pyongyang appears to be playing an increasingly active role, supplying both manpower and weaponry to support Russian forces.
Kremlin Meeting and Strategic Agreements
As reported by HotNews.ro, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ri Hi-yong, a senior official from North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, at the Kremlin on Thursday.
The meeting took place shortly after South Korea denounced Pyongyang’s recent deployment of additional troops to Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting but did not provide details about the discussions. Ri is in Moscow on an official visit and had previously met with Vladimir Yakushev, the secretary general of Russia’s ruling United Russia party.
During their discussions, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation and signed a three-year partnership agreement extending until 2027.
North Korean Troop Deployments to Russia
According to South Korean military sources, North Korea sent over 1,000 additional soldiers to Russia between January and February.
These reinforcements join an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops already deployed in Russia’s Kursk region since October 2024. The Kursk area, partially occupied by Ukrainian forces, has been a key battleground in the ongoing conflict.
The troop movements align with the Global Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June 2024. This pact includes a clause for mutual military assistance in the event of external aggression.
Weapons and Military Support for Russia
In addition to troops, North Korea has reportedly provided Russia with significant military supplies. Pyongyang is believed to have shipped tens of thousands of containers filled with artillery shells, missiles, and other conventional weapons to support Russia’s war efforts.
Recent satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, published by Korea JoongAng Daily, reveal a 110-meter-long container ship docked at North Korea’s Rason port near the Russian and Chinese borders.
A row of containers, stretching approximately 100 meters, is also visible along the dock, further indicating ongoing military shipments.
With North Korea deepening its involvement in Russia’s war effort, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of this alliance on regional and global stability.
