Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss bolstering military cooperation between their two countries. The meeting, which took place on Friday, Nov. 29, was highlighted in a statement by North Korea’s state media, KCNA, on Saturday. The announcement comes against the backdrop of accusations from the United States and South Korea, who claim that Pyongyang has sent over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Both Russia and North Korea are facing extensive international sanctions, with the former grappling with repercussions of its invasion of Ukraine and the latter isolated due to its nuclear weapons program. This meeting signals an effort to strengthen ties as both nations find themselves marginalized on the global stage. KCNA hailed the visit as a pivotal step towards enhancing “defence capabilities” and fostering “friendly, mutual cooperation” between the two nations.
Kim Jong Un criticized Western powers during his meeting with Belousov, particularly the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russian territory. Labeling this as “direct military intervention,” Kim reiterated North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s right to “self-defence.”
“It is an exercise of the right to self-defence for Russia to take resolute action to make the hostile forces pay the price,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA.
The roots of this deepening relationship trace back to June, when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership treaty. This agreement obligates both nations to provide military assistance in case of an attack and jointly oppose Western sanctions. Analysts believe that the ongoing Ukraine conflict has provided Pyongyang with an opportunity to realign its foreign policy and secure advanced military technology in exchange for its support.
The military alliance is not without controversy. The United States and South Korea have raised concerns over North Korea’s alleged deployment of soldiers to Ukraine and its provision of arms and ammunition to Russian forces. Experts say that in return, North Korea could gain access to advanced Russian military technology and resources, including oil and gas, which are crucial for its struggling economy.
Andrei Belousov’s visit to North Korea comes amid increasing speculation about Pyongyang’s involvement in Russia’s war effort. Analysts like Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, suggest that North Korea is leveraging the Ukraine war to position itself as a crucial player in the Russian war economy.
“By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support, and labor — potentially bypassing its traditional ally, China,” said Hong. He further noted that Belousov, known for his expertise in economic strategy rather than a traditional military background, is uniquely equipped to negotiate long-term agreements, including military supply chains and strategies to evade sanctions.
This burgeoning alliance also provides Russia with a workforce for post-war reconstruction efforts, a need amplified by the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
South Korea and Ukraine are taking these developments seriously. Earlier this week, Seoul and Kyiv announced plans to deepen security cooperation in response to the deployment of North Korean troops in the Ukrainian theater. While the details of their collaboration remain unclear, South Korea is contemplating a historic shift in its foreign policy by potentially supplying weapons to Ukraine. President Yoon Suk Yeol said earlier this month that his administration is “not ruling out the possibility” of such arms transfers, which would mark a significant departure from Seoul’s long-standing policy of avoiding involvement in active conflicts.
The implications of this move are far-reaching. Should South Korea proceed with arming Ukraine, it could escalate tensions in the region, potentially provoking North Korea and heightening the already precarious situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The deepening ties between Russia and North Korea have raised fears of a new era of proxy warfare. Analysts believe that North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine could mark a significant shift in its foreign policy, allowing it to gain invaluable combat experience and test its military capabilities in a live conflict.
From Russia’s perspective, the alliance provides access to manpower and munitions, crucial in sustaining its war efforts as Western sanctions and supply chain disruptions take their toll. North Korea’s willingness to provide this support demonstrates the potential for smaller, isolated nations to exert disproportionate influence on global conflicts.
Both nations also appear to be united in their disdain for Western sanctions and policies, with Belousov praising North Korea’s “absolutely independent foreign policy.” The Russian Defence Minister emphasized the importance of their alliance, framing it as a counterbalance to the influence of NATO and its allies.
The United States and its allies have been vocal in their criticism of the burgeoning Russia-North Korea alliance. Washington has accused Pyongyang of violating international sanctions by supplying arms to Moscow and providing direct military support. The Biden administration has ramped up aid to Ukraine in response, recently authorizing long-range missile systems capable of striking deep within Russian territory.
Meanwhile, South Korea has called for a unified international response, urging its allies to address the “threat” posed by North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine. As tensions rise, observers warn that the global order could face a period of increased instability, with new alliances challenging the dominance of traditional powers.
