According to South Korea’s Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) as cited by Newsweek on April 16, North Korea’s military backing of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine has reportedly netted Pyongyang over $20 billion.
KIDA’s
estimates
indicate that the majority of income originates from extensive sales of artillery ammunition. Munitions from North Korea currently make up
roughly half
regarding the Russian military’s requirements for artillery
Ukraine
, with some frontline units entirely reliant on the shells.
From August 2023 through March 2025,
North Korea
reportedly shipped more than 15,800 containers of munitions to
Russia
Satellite images uncovered 64 trips made by Russian vessels, possibly transporting anywhere from 4.2 million to 5.8 million rounds of North Korean ammunition.
As a result, it is claimed that Pyongyang received sophisticated technology.
Russian weaponry
The report indicates that North Korea favors “equipment and technical support” over monetary payments. This preference aims at bolstering their domestic defense sector and advancing their broader strategic objectives in the long run.
North Korea deployed more than 11,000 troops to support Russia’s war efforts, most of whom were sent to Russia’s
Kursk Oblast
. Ukraine
estimates
approximately 5,000 to 6,000 have suffered as casualties, underscoring the significant human toll resulting from Pyongyang’s participation.
The strengthening of the military alliance has sparked wider regional worries, as KIDA cautions that increased collaboration might result in
Moscow
intervening on the Korean Peninsula in the event of a crisis.
“Russia-North Korea military cooperation raises the chances of Russia stepping in on the Korean peninsula if there’s an emergency,” the report said, urging the international community to adopt measures to sever the alliance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described North Korea as a “partner,” confirming that a bilateral
defense treaty
signed in 2024 is now in force. He has also suggested that Pyongyang could be included in future
negotiations
to end the war in Ukraine.
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