North Korea and Russia: Allies in Conflict

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has declared his country's backing for Russia's actions in Ukraine. This news comes from a meeting between Kim and Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Security Council Secretary. The meeting took place in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Kim's promise of support is not just words. North Korea has already sent thousands of troops to Russia. This move shows a deepening bond between the two nations. The exact number of troops sent is significant. Over 11, 000 troops were dispatched in 2024, with an additional 3, 000 sent earlier this year. These numbers come from a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, which includes 11 countries. North Korea has admitted to sending these troops. They claim that these soldiers helped Russia regain control of territory in the Kursk Province, which had been lost to Ukrainian forces. Russia has expressed gratitude for North Korea's help. Shoigu thanked the North Korean leadership for the bravery and dedication shown by their troops. He noted that these soldiers fought alongside Russian forces, defending Russian land as if it were their own. This praise highlights the close military cooperation between the two countries. North Korea's support for Russia goes beyond just sending troops. They have also provided a large amount of military supplies. This includes millions of rounds of artillery and multiple rocket launcher ammunition, as well as at least 100 ballistic missiles. These supplies have helped Russia increase its missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. This has included strikes on important civilian infrastructure. There is speculation about what North Korea gains from this alliance. Many believe that North Korea is receiving advanced weapons technology and economic aid in return for its support. This exchange of resources and support shows how interconnected the two countries have become in this conflict. During their meeting, Kim expressed confidence that Russia would succeed in its efforts to defend its national interests. This statement underscores the political alignment between the two leaders and their countries. It also raises questions about the broader implications of this alliance for global politics.