The relationship between North Korea and Russia has been growing closer under the rule of Russian president Vladimir Putin. While the two countries have a long history of both military and political ties, in recent years there has been an increased focus on strengthening their cooperation. In fact, Russian media outlets have touted a “special relationship” between the two countries, with Putin himself referring to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un as a “good friend.” Given Putin’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies, it raises the question: does North Korea support his regime?
The answer is a complicated one. On the one hand, North Korea has long been a staunch backer of Putin, providing crucial military and diplomatic support throughout his tenure in office. The countries have also signed a number of agreements over the years, including one in 2005 that promised $10 billion in economic aid to North Korea. Additionally, Russia has been an important partner in North Korea’s nuclear program, helping to provide the materials, expertise and technology needed to build the country’s nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, North Korea is notoriously secretive and independent, refusing to bow to international pressure or opinion. While Kim Jong Un and Putin share some similarities in their leadership styles, the North Korean leader is thought to be wary of becoming too close to Russia and of losing his autonomy. This could explain why North Korea has not been as willing to support Putin on the world stage, instead preferring to maintain a level of independence and autonomy.
In addition to these diplomatic concerns, North Korea also has its own economic interests to consider. The country is struggling under crippling economic sanctions, and it is looking to Russia for help. Russia is one of the few countries that has the resources and political clout to provide meaningful aid to the regime, and so North Korea may be reluctant to cut ties with Putin if it could result in a loss of much-needed economic support.
Regardless of the exact nature of the relationship between North Korea and Russia, it is clear that the two countries have a close and complex partnership. Putin has been able to gain North Korea’s support through generous economic aid, military and technological assistance, and diplomatic ties. While North Korea is not entirely uncritical of Putin, it is unlikely that they are willing to undermine their relationship with one of their few allies on the international stage.
Military and Arms Deals
One of the primary areas of cooperation between North Korea and Russia is in the realm of military and arms deals. Russia has been a staunch supporter of North Korea’s military aspirations, providing them with heavy weaponry, technology, and training. This has allowed the North to bolster its defensive capabilities and to deter would-be aggressors from taking action against them. Russia has also been reported to be considering a sale of long-range missiles to North Korea, which could potentially be used in a dangerous arms race with other nations.
Furthermore, North Korea relies heavily on Russia for access to spare parts for their aging military hardware. This has been especially important for the North to keep their air force in fighting shape, as well as for their navy, which is crucial for securing the nation’s maritime borders. Recently, Pyongyang has also requested access to advanced military technology from Moscow, to help bolster their chances in a potential conflict.
Overall, the arms deals between North Korea and Russia represent an area of mutual cooperation that has been strengthened considerably in recent years. The two countries have been able to benefit from these transactions, with Russia in particular gaining increased influence in the Korean peninsula and being able to project its power into the region.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
In addition to military and arms deals, North Korea and Russia also enjoy a close economic relationship. North Korea’s economy is heavily reliant on trade with its allies, and Russia is one of the few countries that has kept up a steady trade relationship with Pyongyang. This is largely due to Moscow’s willingness to ignore international sanctions and to provide much-needed economic aid to the regime.
Russia has also been a major source of fuel, food, and medicine for the North Korean people, with the two countries agreeing to expanded trade deals in 2013 and 2015. Additionally, Moscow has also provided extensive economic assistance in the form of low interest loans and other financial assistance to support Kim Jong Un’s regime. This has allowed the North Koreans to continue to grow their economy despite the heavy sanctions imposed by the West.
Moreover, the two countries have also sought to cooperate in the realm of science and technology, with Russia providing technology and know-how to help develop the North’s infrastructure. This has been especially important for North Korea’s energy sector, as the country relies heavily on imported fuel from Russia. In particular, the two countries have been collaborating on a number of hydroelectric projects, which will help the North reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources.
Overall, North Korea and Russia have been able to cooperate economically, despite international sanctions, to benefit both countries. North Korea has been able to receive much-needed aid and assistance while Russia receives increased influence in the Asian region.
International Repercussions
The close relationship between North Korea and Russia has naturally raised some eyebrows, both within the international community and within other countries in the region. This is particularly true for the United States, which has been waging a campaign of ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea in an effort to curb its nuclear ambitions. The US is concerned that North Korea is using its relationship with Russia to bypass these sanctions and to become even more powerful and dangerous.
In addition, there are concerns that a close relationship between the two countries could bring increased instability to the region. North Korea is already a wildcard in international relations and some have expressed concern that its relationship with Russia could give the country even greater latitude to act on its own terms. In particular, there are fears that the two countries could work together to oppose international efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.
Finally, it is also worth noting that North Korea and Russia’s close relationship could be used by other countries as a pretext to expand their own influence in the region. This could contribute to greater tensions with other countries in the region, as well as potentially further destabilizing an already volatile region.
Conclusion
The relationship between North Korea and Russia is an intricate one, and one that has major implications for the region. On the one hand, it has allowed the two countries to cooperate on military and economic projects, while also providing both sides with increased influence and power in the international arena. On the other hand, there are also concerns that this close relationship could lead to increased instability in the region as well as a further emboldening of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that the relationship between North Korea and Russia is one worth keeping an eye on. It could have major implications for the region and for the international community as a whole, and it is likely to continue to be a source of contention for years to come.
