North Korea and Russia Strengthen Ties Amid Ukrainian Conflict

Strategic Insights -

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, pledging to lead their cooperation to a high level during talks in Beijing. The summit took place on the sidelines of China's military parade, where the three leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, showed a united front against the United States. Kim expressed his country's support for Russia's efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Putin acknowledged the sacrifices made by North Korean troops deployed to aid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kim and Putin discussed long-term plans for cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with a focus on strengthening their bilateral relations.
  • The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to leading the cooperation to a high level, with Kim stressing his country's "fraternal duty" to provide assistance to Moscow.
  • North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops and weapons to aid Russia's war efforts in Ukraine since October last year.
  • The South Korean spy agency estimates that the North will additionally send some 6,000 soldiers to Russia in its third batch of troop deployment.
  • The death toll of dispatched North Korean troops is estimated to be around 2,000 by South Korea's spy agency.
  • Kim made his debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage by standing alongside Xi and Putin at China's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of what it describes as victory against Japan and the end of World War II.
  • The summit came amid attention over how deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia will evolve as expectations are growing that Russia's war with Ukraine may conclude in the near future.

Statistics:

  • 15,000: Number of North Korean troops and weapons sent to aid Russia's war efforts in Ukraine since October last year.
  • 6,000: Estimated number of North Korean soldiers to be sent in the third batch of troop deployment.
  • 2,000: Estimated death toll of dispatched North Korean troops.
  • 80: Anniversary of what China describes as victory against Japan and the end of World War II.

Sources:

  • Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
  • Yonhap News Agency
  • South Korea's spy agency (National Intelligence Service)