North Korea has sent a substantial amount of military aid to Russia, including soldiers, munitions, and missiles, to support its war efforts in Ukraine. According to a recent report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), an initiative made up of 11 United Nations members, North Korea has provided Russia with:
- 14,000 Troops: Estimates suggest that around 11,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia last year, with another 3,000 troops deployed in the early months of this year. These troops are reportedly being used to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
- 100 Ballistic Missiles: The MSMT report confirms that North Korea has sent at least 100 ballistic missiles to Russia, which were subsequently launched into Ukraine to destroy civilian infrastructure and terrorize populated areas.
- Millions of Munitions: North Korea has sent millions of rounds of artillery and ammunition to Russia, including 9 million rounds in 2024. This aid has significantly contributed to Moscow’s ability to increase its missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.
In return for North Korea’s military aid, Russia has provided Pyongyang with valuable pieces of weaponry and technology, including air defense equipment, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare systems, and refined oil. Moscow has also provided data feedback on Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles, helping improve its missile guidance performance.
The MSMT report alleges that both Russia and North Korea are violating the UN arms embargo and transferring arms and military equipment through actors and networks that evade sanctions. The two countries will likely continue their military cooperation “at least for the foreseeable future,” the report added.
Western governments have expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. The US has warned that Russia may be close to sharing advanced space and satellite technology with North Korea in exchange for continued support for the war in Ukraine.
Quotes from the Report
- “These forms of unlawful cooperation between (North Korea) and Russia contributed to Moscow’s ability to increase its missile attacks against Ukrainian cities including targeted strikes against critical civilian infrastructure.”
- “These actions allow North Korea to fund its military programs and further develop its ballistic missiles programs, which are themselves prohibited under multiple (UN Security Council resolutions), and gain first-hand experience in modern warfare.”
- “The two countries will likely continue their military cooperation at least for the foreseeable future.”
International Response
The member nations behind the MSMT have urged North Korea to “engage in meaningful diplomacy.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that he would provide arms to Pyongyang if the West continues arming Ukraine. Ukraine’s allies have lifted a ban on Kyiv firing long-range missiles into Russia, after days of Russia bombarding the Ukrainian capital and other regions with massive aerial attacks.