By tf-lawyer.com North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently took the time to extend birthday wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his “closest comrade” as he celebrated his 72nd birthday. In his message, Kim expressed hopeful sentiments about advancing the relationship between North Korea and Russia, noting that their ties have strengthened since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict—a situation that has sparked concern in the West.
According to a statement released by North Korean state media KCNA, Kim characterized the partnership as “invincible and eternal,” especially following Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last June. He emphasized, “The meetings and comradely ties between us will positively contribute to further solidifying the eternal foundation of the DPRK-Russia friendship,” using the formal name for North Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The historical backdrop of the North Korea-Russia relationship dates back to the era of Stalin and Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong Un’s grandfather. During its formative years, the Soviet Union was instrumental in providing North Korea with essential support, including weapons and technological assistance. Over time, North Korea has aimed to balance its reliance on its more powerful ally while being cautious of complete dependence on China, a partner it doesn’t fully trust.
Earlier this year, a notable agreement was signed between Putin and Kim to support each other against any perceived “aggression.” However, the specifics of what qualifies as aggression remain unset. There are allegations that Kim may be supplying weaponry to Russia for its military operations in Ukraine, reportedly in exchange for economic and technological aid. It’s been suggested that North Korean missiles have been deployed in the Ukraine conflict.
From Putin’s standpoint, this alliance seems more tactical than strategic. Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, he is likely seeking reliable suppliers to fortify his military capabilities, and North Korea is apparently ready to offer munitions in return for compensation.
Jeffrey Lewis, the director at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, remarks that both leaders appear focused on reducing the financial strain of international sanctions by establishing an alternative network of partnership that exists outside the reach of U.S. restrictions. For North Korea, access to advanced Russian military technology presents a significant edge as it strives to enhance its nuclear and missile development programs. Notably, over the past decade, North Korea has made remarkable strides in creating new missile systems and miniaturizing nuclear warheads, but Russia possesses more sophisticated designs for thermonuclear warheads, re-entry vehicles, and solid rocket motors.
During Kim’s visit to Russia in September 2023, Putin pledged to support North Korea in its satellite technology endeavors following a series of unsuccessful launches. Additionally, a South Korean lawmaker recently reported that signals have been detected suggesting that North Korea might be in the early stages of constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, although further confirmation is needed to substantiate this claim. Rep. Kang Dae-sik indicated that the project is still nascent.
