Benjamin R. Young
One of the more unexpected outcomes of the Russo-Ukrainian war has been the revitalized partnership between Russia and North Korea. For Pyongyang, this renewed relationship is particularly advantageous as it reduces North Korea's dependence on China. For Moscow, North Korea's stockpiles of artillery are crucial to Russia's war effort in Ukraine, as well as a blatant and defiant violation of international sanctions.
Under Kim Jong-un's byungin line, the North Korean regime has prioritized the parallel development of both military and economic sectors. Arms sales to Russia serve a dual purpose, advancing North Korea's military ambitions while generating much-needed economic resources. Historically, North Korea has been uneasy aligning itself too closely within a Sinocentric sphere of influence.
Arms sales to Russia serve a dual purpose, advancing North Korea's military ambitions while generating much-needed economic resources.Share on Twitter
With Russia's war in Ukraine, Pyongyang no longer needs to rely almost entirely on China for foreign currency or its development needs. In exchange for North Korea's artillery ammunition, Russia is supplying (PDF) hard currency, foodstuffs, and possibly missile technology to the North Koreans. This financial boost has significantly benefited Kim Jong-un's domestic 20x10 economic strategy, which aims to enhance growth in rural areas while centralizing economic power in the party elite, away from regional authorities and local administrators.
Russia has acquired critical artillery ammunition from North Korean stockpiles, bolstering its heavy artillery bombardment strategy in Ukraine. Ukraine's intelligence chief recently commented that North Korea, rather than China or Iran, is Russia's most significant ally for their war machine.
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