North Korea may have earned up to $14.4 billion from Russia's war against Ukraine, report says
North Korea may have earned billions from war in Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
North Korea may have earned up to $14.4 billion from the participation of its troops in the Russia-Ukraine war and weapons exports to Russia, Yonhap reports.
According to data from the latest report on the economic impact of the deployment of North Korean troops and arms exports to Russia, published by Im Soo-ho of the Institute for National Security Strategy, Pyongyang's gains amount to billions of dollars.
It is believed that since October 2024, Pyongyang has sent troops to Russia four times, with a total contingent of more than 20,000 North Korean soldiers.
According to a report, from August 2023 to December last year, North Korea is estimated to have earned between $7.67 billion and $14.4 billion from the war in Ukraine.
Direct revenues from troop deployment, including increased salaries for soldiers and compensation in case of death, are estimated at $620 million. The report predicts that North Korea will receive $560 million annually from troop deployment alone if the current situation continues.
In addition, there is a high probability that North Korea receives additional compensation later for confidential military technologies, components, and materials.
North Korean soldiers in the war against Ukraine
North Korea has supplied Russia's army with ammunition, equipment, and weapons since the early years of the war against Ukraine. It also periodically sends its soldiers to participate in combat operations.
According to intelligence data, North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia's Kursk region take part in the coordination of reconnaissance operations and help Russia carry out strikes on the territory of Ukraine.
North Korean military personnel also assist Russians by operating drones and adjusting strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region.
According to British intelligence data, North Korea lost 6,000 personnel during combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This represents more than half of approximately 11,000 servicemen North Korea sent to the region.
