Russian stores selling apples from North Korea, says FT

It is noted that deepening commercial cooperation between Russia and North Korea is expanding beyond Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This development comes a year after dictators Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a new strategic partnership agreement.

The Financial Times reports that in recent months, North Korean fishing boats have entered waters near Russia’s Far Eastern coast, while North Korean producers of products ranging from jams and sausages to beer and accordions have registered trademarks with Russia’s Federal Service for Intellectual Property.

Russia is also building a $100 million road bridge over the Tyumen River along its land border with North Korea. Additionally, plans are underway to restore a 10,000-kilometer railway connection between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Over the past year, North Korean university leaders have met with their Russian counterparts in Vladivostok, North Korean athletes have competed in Russia, and Russian theater troupes have performed in Pyongyang.

North Korea at war against Ukraine

Last fall, North Korea deployed troops to Russia, which were later stationed in the Kursk region and involved in combat operations against Ukraine. According to South Korean intelligence estimates, at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers have joined the war.

Recently, the Kremlin officially acknowledged for the first time the participation of North Korean forces in the war, which Pyongyang subsequently confirmed.

Besides personnel, North Korea actively arms Russia — supplying ammunition, artillery, and ballistic missiles that Russian forces use to shell Ukraine.

Intelligence also reports that North Korea is preparing new reinforcements for its troops. According to CNN, North Korea may send an additional 30,000 soldiers.