North Korea's war cooperation with Russia boosts country's revenues to nearly GDP-level scale
Photo: North Korea earns billions from war cooperation with Russia (Getty Images)
North Korea has sharply increased its revenues thanks to military cooperation with Russia. The Kim Jong Un regime may have earned up to $13 billion, receiving not only foreign currency but also resources and new military technologies, reports Nikkei Asia.
How much North Korea has earned
North Korea earned up to $13 billion over three years, which is almost equal to the country’s annual gross domestic product.
This refers to the supply of:
- Artillery shells;
- Multiple rocket launch systems;
- KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles;
- Other weapons for the Russian army.
The total value of deliveries, according to various estimates, ranges from $7 to $13.8 billion.
Experts also believe that some of these missiles were developed with the participation of Russian technologies.
What the Kim Jong Un regime receives
In return, Moscow is likely paying not only in money.
The DPRK may be receiving:
- Foreign currency;
- Energy resources;
- Materials for weapons production;
- Modern military developments;
- Basic goods.
Separately, Russia pays for the participation of North Korean soldiers in combat operations. In just one year, starting in fall 2024, this amount could have exceeded $600 million.
How many DPRK troops are already fighting
According to South Korean intelligence, around 10,000 North Korean special forces personnel may currently be deployed on the front.
In addition to them, in the combat zone, there may be:
- About 10,000 military engineers;
- Hundreds of drone operators;
- Technical personnel supporting Russian units.
There is also information that Pyongyang is preparing another 30,000 soldiers for deployment to Russia.
How much are soldiers paid
North Korean soldiers participating in the war against Ukraine may receive about $2,000 per month.
In the event of death, their families are promised compensation of up to $10,000.
According to South Korean intelligence, as of February, around 6,000 DPRK soldiers had been killed or wounded.
How Kim uses this domestically
In North Korea, participants in the war are presented as “national heroes.”
Families of the deceased may be granted privileges, including housing in Pyongyang.
At the end of April, the country even held a ceremony to open a memorial complex in honor of soldiers involved in the war. High-ranking Russian officials were also invited to the event.
Cooperation with Moscow has become for the Kim Jong Un regime not only a source of large profits but also a way to strengthen its internal power.
DPRK soldiers in the war against Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated recently that Pyongyang would continue to fully support Russia’s policy regarding the alleged protection of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests.
He also publicly praised DPRK soldiers who committed suicide during battles in the Kursk region, calling their actions a manifestation of devotion to the state.
Kim Jong Un also called the youth the main force for carrying out the tasks of the Workers’ Party of Korea and urged them to support North Korea’s participation in the war on Russia’s side against Ukraine.
