North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov on Monday to discuss trade, science, and technology cooperation, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This meeting underscores the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow as both countries face growing Western sanctions and isolation due to the Ukraine war.
The visit by Kozlov’s delegation is part of a series of high-profile interactions between the two nations, suggesting a strategic pivot in their alliance. Additionally, a delegation from a Russian military academy arrived in Pyongyang, although details of their visit remain undisclosed.
The meeting between Kim and Kozlov marks another step in the burgeoning alliance formalized earlier this year. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea, where he and Kim signed a strategic partnership treaty. This treaty obligates both nations to provide mutual military assistance and work together to resist Western sanctions. Putin hailed the agreement as a “breakthrough document” that elevated bilateral ties to a new level.
During the Monday meeting, Kim described the current state of relations as having reached “a new strategic level,” emphasizing trade, science, and technology as areas of focus for future collaboration.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Russia-North Korea relationship is the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. The United States and South Korea have accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 soldiers to support Moscow. Although North Korea has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations, its statements suggest tacit approval of such actions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, when asked about these reports, avoided a direct denial, instead redirecting criticism toward Western nations for their military aid to Ukraine. Pyongyang, for its part, has stated that any troop deployment would align with “international law,” leaving open the possibility of formalized military support.
Reports also suggest that in return for troop deployments, North Korea may receive advanced military technology and battle experience for its forces. This technological exchange is raising concerns in the West, as it could accelerate Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war goes beyond troop deployment. Analysts note that Pyongyang is supplying weapons, military equipment, and possibly labor to support Russia’s war economy. These actions signal a significant shift in North Korea’s foreign policy, as it distances itself from China, its traditional ally and economic lifeline, in favor of Russia.
The partnership allows North Korea to access Russia’s vast natural resources, including oil and gas, which are critical for the isolated state’s energy needs. Meanwhile, for Russia, North Korea provides a reliable source of support as it faces international sanctions and seeks to bolster its manpower on the battlefield.
North Korea has been vocal in its support of Russia’s military campaign. Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, during a recent visit to Moscow, described the war in Ukraine as a “sacred struggle” and expressed unwavering support for Putin’s leadership. She declared that North Korea would “stand firmly by our Russian comrades until victory day.”
This rhetoric aligns with Kim Jong Un’s broader strategy of using the conflict to secure favorable terms for military and economic collaboration with Russia.
The growing alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang has alarmed Western nations, which view the partnership as a threat to global security. Experts fear that North Korea’s involvement could escalate the Ukraine war while simultaneously advancing its own nuclear ambitions.
Recently, North Korea tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a significant advancement in its weapons technology. The United States has expressed concerns that Russian technological support is enabling these developments.
South Korea and the United States have also ramped up joint military exercises in response, aiming to deter potential provocations from Pyongyang and Moscow.
The evolving Russia-North Korea relationship highlights their shared opposition to Western dominance and sanctions. This partnership is reshaping the geopolitical landscape in East Asia and Europe, creating a potential new “axis of resistance” against NATO and its allies.
For North Korea, aligning with Russia offers a pathway to break its international isolation and diversify its partnerships beyond China. The access to Russian technology and resources could significantly enhance North Korea’s military and economic capabilities. Meanwhile, for Russia, North Korea’s support is invaluable as it grapples with a prolonged conflict in Ukraine and seeks to maintain domestic stability amid international pressure.
