Russia is providing military support for the Ukraine war by providing oil, missiles and financial support to North Korea. Al-Jazeera, a Qatar-based media outlet, reported this Friday, quoting a senior South Korean government official.
Earlier, the US and South Korea accused North Korea of sending more than 10,000 troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine. According to experts, Kim Jong Un wanted to give the troops combat experience using advanced technology with the help of Russia. Now his wish is fulfilled.
In an interview with South Korea's state broadcaster SBS, Shin Won-sik, the country's top security adviser, said, “We are sure that North Korea has taken anti-aircraft missiles and other equipment from Russia to strengthen its weak air defense system.”
He also said, “In addition, North Korea has received various types of economic assistance from Russia.”
Pyongyang has also received oil shipments from Russia, according to the UK-based non-profit research organization Open Source Center (OSS).
According to a recent BBC report, more than 12 North Korean oil tankers visited a Russian port a total of 43 times in the last eight months. Some satellite images in the report show oil tankers empty after arriving in North Korea and returning to Russia.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the BBC, “This oil went to Pyongyang in exchange for weapons and troops given to Russia.”
In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership agreement. According to the agreement, both countries would be obliged to provide military assistance 'promptly' in the event of an attack on the other and cooperate against Western sanctions.
Putin called the agreement a 'landmark document'.
Experts say Pyongyang is likely using Ukraine as a means of reshaping its foreign policy. By sending troops to Russia, North Korea is consolidating its position as a supplier of arms, military aid and labor as part of a war economy—one that could push away China, its longtime ally and major trading partner.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Moscow on November 2. At that time, he said, 'North Korea will help Russia until it wins in Ukraine.'
He called Moscow's invasion of Ukraine a 'holy war' and said, 'Pyongyang believes in Putin's wise leadership.'
Both North Korea and Russia are under UN sanctions—Kim for his nuclear weapons program and Moscow for the war in Ukraine. Asked last month about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, Putin dodged the question by criticizing the West for supporting Ukraine.
