In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a surprising revelation has emerged: North Korea, not China, has become Russia’s most crucial ally, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency GUR. This statement comes amidst Russia’s growing alliances with global powerhouses like China and India.
Despite being a nation heavily burdened by decades of sanctions, North Korea has provided invaluable support to Russia during the war. Budanov expressed his concerns about North Korea’s military aid to Russia at a Kyiv event on Saturday, as reported by Reuters. He stated that North Korea is supplying “huge amounts of artillery ammunition,” which is playing a critical role in the intensified battlefield hostilities.
North Korea is drawing from its aging stockpiles and even ramping up domestic production to meet the demands of Russian forces. These supplies, while perhaps not of the highest quality, are proving to be a vital lifeline for the Russian military. In return for its assistance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received new security pledges and access to valuable Russian military technology.
Further adding to the complexities of this situation, North Korea has also been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. In May, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency reported that these missiles were used in attacks on Ukrainian towns.
This alliance between North Korea and Russia is not a new development. Their bond has been strengthening over time. In July, North Korea made a significant symbolic shift by switching its state-run broadcasters from China’s satellite to Russia’s, indicating a diminishing reliance on Beijing. This move solidified the growing ties between the two nations, particularly concerning the Ukraine war. Later that month, North Korea and Russia formalized their alliance through a new defense pact during Putin’s visit to North Korea. This agreement adds another layer of complexity to the global political landscape and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The support from North Korea arrives at a time when Russia is actively expanding its military force, aiming to become the world’s second-largest military, behind China. This military expansion is being fueled by the support of allies like North Korea. The deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia presents a significant geopolitical development with far-reaching implications for the global landscape.
