Study revealed: Russia and North Korea deepen dangerous weapons cooperation

Study revealed: Russia and North Korea deepen dangerous weapons cooperation

A terrifying look at the dark partnership between Russia and North Korea shows the latest studies by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. In a recent study, the shocking dimensions of weapon trade between these two unequal allies are uncovered. Is Russia ready, for example, to pay the price for its aggressive military ambitions? The answer could be up to $ 5.5 billion!

Olena Guseinova from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul has analyzed intelligence reports and price data on North Korean ammunition sales. Their results are alarming: the actual value of the previous arms deliveries amounts to an incredible $ 5.5 billion. For comparison: North Korea's entire gross domestic product is estimated at a measly $ 23.7 billion. Cooperation with Russia could give the isolated regime massive additional income-an attractive offer for Kim Jong-Un!

on the battlefield of Ukraine?

But the story becomes even more explosive. Reports on the sending of North Korean troops to Ukraine could further destabilize the already crumbly structure of power. If these rumors come true, Kim Jong-un could secure an additional source of money-for the provision of his soldiers! Guseinova, who studied recent developments, considers the use of North Korean troops to be a plausible option. After all, you can see similar scenarios from the past in which North Korea sent its soldiers to support other governments.

In the past few months we have observed a dramatic upgrading of the relationships between Russia and North Korea. The official trade between these two nations has developed rapidly: of only $ 34.4 million in 2023, the trading volume in the first half of 2024 grew to dizzying $ 52.9 million!

Putin's desperate appeal

Guseinova warns: "Russia choses its partners in times of need. The exponential increase in ammunition needs means that Russia becomes increasingly dependent on North Korea." In addition to this war -related need, Russia could also see North Korea's military technology as a strategic asset to destabilize western alliances in East Asia. At the same time, the support from North Korean soldiers - if actually comes to this - also signals that Russia has a strong ally to maintain its aggressive course.

However, there are also setbacks in this brittle alliance. North Korea is known for its unreliable military technology, and the unpredictable swivels of its alliances could endanger Russian strategies. An increasingly aggressive North Korea could also burden Moscow's fragile relationships with Beijing - Russia may be found in a dizzying conflict.

The knowledge of this study should shake Europe. In the face of this explosive dynamic, rethinking will be necessary: ​​the EU must increase its sanction strategies and at the same time intensify its diplomatic efforts. Russian tactics based on blackmail must be combated, while partnerships with countries such as South Korea and Japan should be expanded to protect them from possible threats.

"Putin's desperate search for help in North Korea is a clear sign of his weakness," explains Frederic Spohr, head of the Naumann Foundation's office in Korea. A paradigm shift in the relationship between Russia and North Korea could further falter the rule -based world order. The entire analysis and other details can be viewed at www.freiheit.org/de/nord-und-suedkorea/so-eng-cooperieren-russland-und-nordkorea.