After Pyongyang sent an estimated 10,000 troops to Russia, Russia sent North Korea air defense equipment and anti-aircraft missiles. Shin Won-sik, South Korea’s national security adviser, affirmed that Moscow provided these military resources in exchange for when North Korea sent soldiers to Russia for assistance in the conflict with Ukraine.
The anti-aircraft missiles, according to Shin, would support North Korea’s feeble air defenses. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized his dedication to modernizing the nation’s arsenal at a military display in Pyongyang. He promised to keep improving North Korea’s defense capabilities and asked for the creation of “ultra-modern” weapons. This was in the midst of reports of front-line combat between Ukrainian and North Korean military.
Earlier this month, Russia ratified a mutual defense pact with North Korea, which both nations signed during a state visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. The agreement ensures that both countries will provide military support in case of an attack and collaborate against Western sanctions.
North Korean personnel stationed in Russia are a component of an airborne brigade and marine corps, according to a recent assessment from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. While some troops are supporting Russia’s war efforts, others have actually entered combat. In an effort to restock its depleting arsenal, North Korea has also shipped Russia more than 13,000 containers of weaponry, including missiles and artillery.
According to experts, North Korea sent soldiers to Russia as it wants to improve its foreign policy. By portraying itself as a military support provider and avoiding its longstanding friend, China, Pyongyang seeks to restructure its alliances. As North Korea sends soldiers to Russia it also benefits from this agreement by having access to Russia’s abundant natural resources, including gas and oil.
