Lauge Risom Koch 
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has amassed roughly $22 billion in foreign income by supplying weapons and troops to Russia during the war in Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un currently holds more wealth than at any other point during his 15 years in power. His country has experienced a massive surge in foreign income since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine. This unexpected financial boost comes largely from selling military supplies and deploying troops to support the ongoing conflict.
Profiting from military cooperation
Between 2022 and 2025, the North Korean leader collected roughly $22 billion in foreign currency. According to a report by Digi24 based on Bloomberg analysis, this financial growth is largely due to increased arms sales to Russia. Experts compare these weapons deals to winning the lottery, while renewed diplomatic support from China provides economic stability.
However, a large portion of this new income remains outside of North Korea. Because Kim Jong Un is restricted from accessing the international banking system, he cannot easily move cash across borders. Instead, many of these international payments are completed through the direct transfer of goods, food supplies, and military technology.
The opportunity arose when Moscow realized it needed large amounts of older Soviet-era artillery. North Korea possessed large stockpiles of these weapons, which quickly became valuable resources. According to Digi24, Ukrainian intelligence estimates show that North Korea supplied up to 50% of Russia’s heavy ammunition needs by the end of 2025.
Expanding nuclear and military capabilities
Beyond selling artillery, Pyongyang has also profited by sending its own citizens to the frontlines. Reports indicate that between 16,000 and 22,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia. In exchange for this manpower, Moscow reportedly pays around $2,000 per month for each soldier.
This growing military cooperation has become a major driving force for the North Korean economy. The national Bank of Korea predicts that the country’s economy will grow by 3.5% in 2025. This would mark the third consecutive year of positive economic growth, showing the strongest financial period since international sanctions were tightened.
The Digi24 report notes that the leadership is using this wealth to rapidly expand its military capabilities. Over the past two years, the nation has unveiled two massive destroyers, which are the largest warships in its history. The country is also improving its ballistic missile designs to attract more international weapons buyers.
Strengthening global diplomatic ties
In addition to building new weapons, North Korea is using its financial boost to reshape its foreign relations. While military ties with Russia remain crucial, the country is also working to reduce its dependence on Moscow. Over the past year, senior officials from several nations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Belarus, and Vietnam, have traveled to Pyongyang.
Meanwhile, the military partnership with Russia continues to deepen on the ground. Recent reports suggest that a specialized North Korean missile unit is being formed in western Russia. This deployment reportedly includes dozens of military personnel and several launchers equipped with over a hundred ballistic missiles.
At the same time, intelligence services suggest that Russia has received fresh shipments of these ballistic weapons. After a pause of nearly a year, Russian forces have reportedly begun using North Korean missiles more frequently in their strikes. This exchange of weapons for wealth continues to sustain both nations amid global sanctions.
