Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea: A plan until 2031
Moscow announced new steps to bolster military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including a strategic agreement aimed at building a long-term partnership. These developments coincide with the official visit of Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to Pyongyang, reflecting an unprecedented rapprochement between the two countries amid current global tensions.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov confirmed that both sides have reached a final agreement to solidify their defense relations in a stable and long-term manner. He noted that intensive preparations are underway for the signing of a joint cooperation plan covering the period from 2027 to 2031, with the official signing expected this year.
Historical roots and development of bilateral relations
This rapprochement was not a recent development, but rather dates back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union was Pyongyang's main backer. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, relations cooled somewhat, but have flourished again in recent years. This rapprochement accelerated significantly after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2002, as Moscow found in Pyongyang a strategic ally capable of providing logistical and military support in the face of stringent Western sanctions.
Mutual Defense and Support Treaty for Operations in Ukraine
This development is a natural extension of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed by the two countries in 2014. This landmark treaty stipulates the provision of immediate and reciprocal military support in the event of an external attack on either country. During his recent visit, Belousov and Russian officials participated in the opening ceremony of a memorial complex dedicated to soldiers who fell while supporting Russian military operations in Ukraine. He also held important meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Defense Minister No Kwang Chol.
In the same vein, Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin met with leader Kim Jong Un, expressing his country's deep appreciation for the North Korean forces' participation in what he described as the "liberation" of Russia's Kursk region. This came after Pyongyang sent military forces to support Russian operations there against ongoing Ukrainian attacks.
The regional and international repercussions of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea
has Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea profound geopolitical dimensions that extend far beyond their borders. Regionally, this alliance is a major concern for South Korea and Japan, potentially prompting them to bolster their defense capabilities and deepen their security alliance with the United States. Internationally, this new axis poses a direct challenge to the Washington-led world order and undermines UN efforts to impose sanctions on Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
North Korean forces' losses in battles
On the ground, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Belousov had awarded military decorations to a number of North Korean soldiers in recognition of their active participation in combat operations in the Kursk region. Volodin confirmed that these soldiers fought bravely alongside Russian forces.
In contrast, South Korean intelligence estimates indicate that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed during their participation in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Multiple reports also indicate that the military leadership in Pyongyang issued strict orders to its soldiers to avoid capture at all costs. To date, Ukrainian armed forces have captured only two North Korean soldiers, who remain in custody for interrogation.
