Kathrine Frich
They called the partnership with Moscow “the cream of interstate relations.”
They called the partnership with Moscow “the cream of interstate relations.”
Military Pact With Russia Brings “Peace” to Europe
North Korea defended its deepening military ties with Russia by claiming their alliance is meant “to ensure peace and stability” in both Europe and Asia.
The claim, reported by AFP and cited by Agerpres, comes despite Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the Ukraine war through weapons supplies and deployment of troops.
Far from easing tensions, this partnership has sparked international condemnation, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate.
Hundreds of North Korean Troops Killed in Ukraine Fighting
Despite the regime’s lofty rhetoric, the costs on the ground are brutal.
According to South Korean intelligence, around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more injured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
These figures were shared by a South Korean lawmaker and add a bloody reality to what Pyongyang frames as a stabilizing effort. The North’s support of Russia appears to come at a steep human price.
Global Watchdog Slams the Alliance as “Illegal”
A coalition of 11 nations, including South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, has condemned the military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, calling it “illegal” and a clear violation of U.N. sanctions.
The group, formed in October 2024, was created to monitor sanctions breaches by North Korea and has been outspoken about the consequences of this growing East Asian-Russian alliance.
Their criticism underscores international concern over the legality and ethics of the arrangement.
Pyongyang Insists It’s All About Sovereignty and “Justice”
In an official statement from the North Korean Foreign Ministry, Pyongyang claimed the Russia alliance protects “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests” of allied nations.
It even went a step further, calling the partnership with Moscow “the cream of interstate relations.”
The statement reflects Pyongyang’s ambition to reposition itself as a global power player, one that sees its military involvement abroad as a force for good.
The “Multipolar World Order” North Korea Dreams Of
North Korea sees its relationship with Russia as part of a broader vision for a new global system.
According to the same Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the two nations could “establish a multipolar world order” based on “true respect for sovereignty, equality, and justice.”
This echoes Russian rhetoric and reveals how both countries are aligning ideologically against what they perceive as U.S.-dominated global governance.
Nine Million Artillery Shells Shipped to Russia in 2024
The watchdog group reported that nine million rounds of mixed artillery ammunition and rocket launchers have been delivered from North Korea to Russia since the start of 2024.
These shipments, moved via Russian-flagged cargo vessels, highlight the sheer scale of Pyongyang’s logistical support.
It’s not just symbolic cooperation, it’s a tangible, massive rearmament effort fueling Russia’s war machine.
Russia Sends Advanced Weapons Back
In exchange for North Korea’s vast supply of artillery, the same watchdog group alleges that Russia has returned the favor with air defense equipment and anti-aircraft missiles.
Though neither country publicly confirms the exact nature of these transfers, the claims suggest a strategic barter system that arms both regimes while defying international scrutiny.
This tit-for-tat trade highlights just how far the two countries are willing to go to back each other in defiance of global norms.