North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, on Tuesday. This visit follows recent claims by South Korea and the United States that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to train in Russia, potentially for deployment in Ukraine. These accusations, coupled with heightened diplomatic exchanges, have sparked international concern, especially among North Korea’s and Russia’s adversaries in the West.
Choe’s trip comes after intensified diplomatic activity between the two nations, beginning with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent visit to Russia’s Far East, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. The North Korean foreign minister’s presence is expected to further advance the “strategic dialogue” that Kim and Putin agreed upon earlier in June.
This report examines the significance of Choe’s visit, the implications of potential North Korean military involvement in Ukraine, and the reactions from global stakeholders concerned about the emerging Russia-North Korea alliance.
Russia and North Korea have a long-standing alliance rooted in shared historical and ideological leanings. Despite decades of shifting geopolitical landscapes, including the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of North Korea as a nuclear power, their alliance has remained, albeit at varying levels of intensity. Today, as Russia faces mounting international isolation due to its actions in Ukraine, it has re-energized its alliance with Pyongyang, a fellow pariah state under heavy sanctions and diplomatic scrutiny.
In recent months, diplomatic activity has increased notably between Moscow and Pyongyang. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in June, his first visit to the isolated nation in over two decades, where he signed a mutual defense treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This defense treaty is part of a broader initiative to enhance military and strategic cooperation, likely aimed at counterbalancing Western pressure on both nations.
Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s visit represents her third diplomatic mission to Russia in the past year, following visits in January and September. This frequency underscores the importance both nations place on their alliance amid escalating pressures from the U.S., NATO, and neighboring Asian countries. According to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, this latest visit is intended to continue “strategic dialogue,” hinting at potential plans to deepen military and economic collaboration.
The timing of Choe’s visit to Russia comes amid explosive allegations from Washington and Seoul. The United States and South Korea claim that North Korea has sent 10,000 soldiers to Russia for training, suggesting that these forces could ultimately be deployed in Ukraine. While Russia and North Korea have not officially confirmed or denied this claim, it has stoked fears of a deepening military partnership between the two nations.
The alleged deployment of North Korean troops represents a significant shift in North Korea’s international engagement strategy, as Pyongyang traditionally avoids direct involvement in foreign conflicts. However, Russia’s need for manpower in Ukraine and North Korea’s historical interest in supporting allies that counterbalance U.S. influence could be driving a new approach. North Korea’s professional military forces could offer Russia some relief as it faces mounting battlefield losses in Ukraine.
Experts suggest that Moscow’s alleged acceptance of North Korean troops is a sign of desperation in the face of a protracted conflict in Ukraine. As Russia faces rising casualties and domestic pressures, it must weigh the costs of drawing on foreign military support against the risks of further straining its public support base.
Chun In-Bum, a retired lieutenant general and former commander of South Korea’s Special Forces, noted the strategic advantages North Korean troops might provide Russia on the battlefield. Chun pointed out that mobilizing more Russian citizens could exacerbate Putin’s political challenges at home, making foreign support a less politically costly option. He described the North Korean troops as “a big boost” to Russia’s efforts, highlighting their reputation as disciplined, well-trained soldiers. However, Chun also pointed out uncertainties regarding the performance of North Korean troops under real combat conditions, particularly in the unique theater of Ukraine.
Despite the tactical advantages North Korean forces could provide, some analysts warn that involving North Korea could further internationalize the conflict, giving NATO and its allies new grounds for sanctions or retaliatory measures against Russia. Moreover, the introduction of foreign troops could lead to complex logistical and operational challenges.
The potential deployment of North Korean troops has been met with alarm by both the United States and its allies. A U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated Washington’s opposition to North Korea’s direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict, labeling it a “destabilizing action” that would only serve to escalate tensions and prolong suffering.
South Korea’s government also responded with concern, noting that any North Korean assistance to Russia’s war effort constitutes a significant security threat to East Asia. The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that it would work closely with U.S. intelligence and its regional allies to monitor the situation. Officials in Seoul have publicly urged North Korea to refrain from any actions that might further entrench hostilities.
Japan, too, voiced concerns over the Russia-North Korea alliance. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned any possible North Korean military engagement as a breach of international norms and stated that Japan would consider taking additional security measures. This sentiment is echoed by Japan’s strategic pivot toward a more active defense posture in response to regional threats.
North Korea’s motivation to assist Russia appears rooted in both economic and security incentives. Sanctions imposed by the United Nations and the United States have left North Korea in dire economic straits. By strengthening its relationship with Russia, North Korea could gain access to crucial resources, including food, energy, and technology, which Russia could provide despite international sanctions.
From a security perspective, North Korea may see its alliance with Russia as a deterrent against U.S. military presence in East Asia. Joint military efforts could serve as a warning to the U.S. and its regional allies, showing that North Korea has backing from a major nuclear power. Additionally, this partnership allows Kim Jong Un to present himself as a leader on the international stage, solidifying his position at home.
However, there are substantial risks associated with North Korea’s reported actions. On the humanitarian front, North Korea has been struggling with food shortages, with reports suggesting malnutrition is widespread among its citizens. Diverting resources, including personnel, toward foreign military involvement could worsen these domestic challenges.
For Russia, reliance on foreign troops could indicate to its domestic audience and the international community that it is unable to sustain its own military efforts in Ukraine. This perception may weaken Putin’s standing within Russia and embolden opposition voices. Additionally, integrating foreign troops into a highly complex and evolving battlefield poses operational risks, including language barriers, logistical issues, and possible friction with Russian forces.
