North Korea is getting a raw deal in its support for Russia’s war, a new German study reveals. While Moscow has received up to $9.8 billion worth of arms and troops from Pyongyang since 2023, North Korea’s gains are estimated to be between $457 million and $1.19 billion, highlighting an uneven partnership.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation published the report titled Unequal Partnership, which details the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea since their landmark mutual defense pact last year. Although relations have accelerated, the study emphasizes their “distinctly asymmetric character.”
North Korea has supplied millions of artillery shells, rockets, and mortar rounds, alongside hundreds of artillery systems and launchers. It is also estimated that around 15,000 soldiers have been sent to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Conversely, Moscow’s support to Pyongyang has been limited, mainly consisting of food, fuel, air defense systems, and possibly some fighter aircraft.
North Korea
The report notes there is no significant inflow of hard currency to North Korea, with financial transactions mostly confined to the Russian banking system. While North Korea’s immediate economic gains are modest, the strategic benefits include battlefield testing of its weapons, potential access to Russian technology, and political recognition through closer ties with a permanent UN Security Council member.
The study warns that this partnership poses an increased security risk to Europe. It urges the European Union to impose stricter controls on dual-use technologies, enhance intelligence-sharing with South Korea and Japan, close energy loopholes, and strengthen its diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang.
The exact number of North Korean troop casualties in Ukraine is uncertain, but South Korea’s intelligence service estimates about 2,000 deaths so far. Last month, Kim Jong Un met with families of fallen soldiers, expressing condolences and promising support, according to state media.
Since the 2024 military alliance, relations between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have grown markedly. The treaty commits both leaders to provide “all means” of military assistance if either faces aggression, further deepening their cooperation amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
