Kim Jong Un met with a senior Russian diplomat and stated that his country stands fully behind Russia’s tactics in Ukraine and will back Russia with any resources it can offer. The message underscores how both nations plan to keep their military and political alliance strong even as the conflict draws more world attention.
Background on Troop Deployment
North Korea first sent its soldiers to join Russian forces in the Kursk region last October. Ukrainian reports spotted these units at the end of October 2024. They numbered roughly twelve thousand soldiers by early November, and they included officers and generals who took orders directly from Pyongyang.
And in April 2025, North Korea made the move public and said it had put its troops in place under direction from its leader. In June, Pyongyang agreed to add six thousand more personnel, among them experts to clear mines and teams to build military facilities on Russia’s side of the border.
Missile Supply Chain Insights
A recent study by an arms research group showed that North Korean missiles used by Russia held parts from many global suppliers. The report listed nearly three hundred electronic items from makers in eight nations. Three quarters came from companies in the United States. And some key parts came from European and Asian firms. One item came from a United Kingdom factory and dated from February 2023.
That finding raises questions about how export rules let that part reach Russia after the war began. It also points out that both North Korea and Russia use broad networks in Asia and beyond to get weapons parts for their programs.
Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a treaty in Pyongyang that binds them to help each other if one faces an armed attack. The pact carries twenty three articles that cover military support, trade ties, and science exchanges. One article says each side will use all available help without wait if the other falls into war.
Leaders in both capitals called this pact the strongest link yet in their bond. Putin said Russia looks to expand its military ties with North Korea in response to moves by Western nations.
Implications for Global Security
This deep cooperation shifts the balance in Eastern Europe and Northeast Asia. Nations in those regions now face two states that stand ready to join forces at a moment’s notice. That reality adds pressure on Western governments to adjust their strategies. Some analysts say this link may push Moscow to lean more on Pyongyang for military gear. And it may give Kim Jong Un more leverage when seeking concessions from other powers.
Personal Analysis
I find this strategy risky for both sides because any clash could draw in outside countries at once. And Russia might end up relying too much on parts from nations that oppose its war. North Korea risks fresh sanctions if it helps with frontline fights. Both leaders seem ready to pay that price. I think the pact shows how far they will go when they face common critics.
Sources: Reuters.com
