Russia and North Korea have long been close allies, with economic and diplomatic ties that have persisted for decades despite the challenging situation in East Asia. While the two countries have had a stable relationship since the Cold War, the recent series of sanctions against North Korea, which have included political and diplomatic isolation, have tested the boundaries of that partnership. As North Korea begins to re-engage with the international community, what is it doing to improve relations with Russia?
Russia’s relationship with North Korea has been strained by their divergent perspectives on key regional issues. North Korea has become increasingly assertive in its stance on the Korean peninsula, while Russia has pushed for greater diplomatic engagement with the region’s main players, namely South Korea and the United States. This has resulted in an often uneasy balance between the two countries’ respective foreign policy interests. Russia has also sought to utilize its diplomatic leverage to push for the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis and improved relations with the United States, something North Korea may not be entirely comfortable with.
In the wake of North Korea’s diplomatic isolation, the country has sought to deepen its already strong ties with Russia. In 2018, North Korea and Russia signed a joint declaration calling for increased bilateral cooperation. This included pledges to increase trade, exchanges in education, and greater collaboration on tackling environmental issues. The two countries also held their first large-scale military exercises in 2012.
In addition to on-the-ground cooperation, North Korea and Russia have also continued to collaborate in the political realm. Russia has supported a number of United Nations resolutions condemning North Korea’s human rights abuses, while also using its influence to encourage Pyongyang to return to the Six-Party Talks and negotiate a lasting peace settlement in the region. Moscow has also urged the United States to reconsider its economic sanctions against North Korea, while offering its own economic support to the cash-strapped regime.
Russia and North Korea also have a long-standing energy partnership. In 2018, Russia signed a new energy deal with North Korea, pledging to provide the country with coal, petroleum, and other resources. This is part of a larger program to strengthen the country’s energy security and provide a reliable source of energy for the North Korean people. Furthermore, Russia has also actively sought to deploy its military personnel and resources in North Korea, providing an additional layer of defense and security for the country.
The future of the North Korea-Russia relationship is uncertain. While the two countries have taken steps to increase cooperation and collaboration, the ever-present tensions in the region make it difficult for them to work together more closely. North Korea’s continued nuclear ambitions and reluctance to abandon them create a barrier to closer ties. Nonetheless, Russia remains committed to working with North Korea to improve the security situation in the region and find a peaceful resolution to the current tensions.
Sanctions Imposed On North Korea
The US-led international sanctions imposed on North Korea has made it difficult for the two countries to maintain their close alliance. The extensive sanctions that have been enforced on North Korea has hurt the country financially, making it difficult for them toaccess international markets and resources. This has had an adverse effect on North Korea’s already struggling economy particularly with regards to food shortages, increased poverty and growing inflation. Additionally, the restrictive sanctions on North Korean exports to Russia mean that the country’s ability to generate economic resources is greatly reduced.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has taken various steps to alleviate the effects of the US-led sanctions. For instance, he has reduced the country’s reliance on exports to Russia by engaging in trade with other countries. Moreover, Kim has sought to improve relations with the United States and other regional players in order to decrease tensions and open the door for negotiations.
However, the sanctions have had far-reaching consequences for the North Korea-Russia alliance. North Korea’s inability to export its goods to Russia, as well as its limited access to imports from Russia, have strained the relationship. This, in turn, has made it more difficult for the two countries to cooperate on regional security and economic matters.
Russia’s Petrochemical Interests in North Korea
In spite of the international sanctions, Russia has continued to demonstrate a willingness to invest in the North Korean economy. In recent years, Russia has invested heavily in the North Korean oil and gas industry. This includes a major oil refinery project in the North Korean city of Nampo, as well as a number of pipeline projects that are set to transport Russian gas to North Korea. These projects are expected to generate billions of dollars for both countries.
In addition to these energy-related investments, Russia is also actively involved in other sectors of the North Korean economy. For example, Russia has become increasingly involved in the North Korean tourism industry, investing in the construction of ski resorts and other luxury facilities. This move has been criticized by some as an effort to prop up the North Korean regime and boost its international standing.
The two countries are also working together to find ways to sidestep the restrictions imposed by the US-led sanctions. For instance, some sources have claimed that North Korea and Russia are exploring ways to transact economically without the use of US dollars, as the use of the US currency is tightly controlled by the sanctions. Such measures could help protect North Korea from the effects of the sanctions.
Political Dynamics Between North Korea and Russia
The relationship between North Korea and Russia is complicated by the two countries’ divergent views on regional issues, such as the Korean nuclear crisis. Russia has traditionally been a staunch advocate of diplomatic engagement and negotiation, while North Korea has been more focused on protecting its sovereignty and interests. As such, the two countries have often been at odds over how best to tackle the ongoing issues in East Asia.
At the same time, however, the two countries have sought to maintain their long-running alliance in spite of such differences. This is reflected in their collaboration on a range of economic and political matters, such as the energy deals that have been signed, as well as diplomatic efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis. As such, it appears that the two countries are attempting to find a balance between their competing interests and perspectives.
Implications of North Korea-Russia Relations
The strength of the North Korea-Russia relationship has a wide-ranging impact on the geopolitical environment of the Korean peninsula. Both countries have been deeply involved in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis and foster improved relations between North Korea and the international community. At the same time, North Korea’s economic and energy investments in Russia are likely to have a positive effect on the North Korean economy.
Furthermore, increased cooperation between North Korea and Russia could help to facilitate better dialogue between the two countries and their neighbours on the Korean peninsula. This could provide a foundation for greater trust and understanding between the two sides, paving the way for meaningful negotiations and an eventual resolution of the nuclear crisis.
The Impact of Russia on North Korea’s Social and Political Development
Russia has played an important role in encouraging North Korea to pursue a better path towards social and political reform. Russian experts have engaged in a dialogue with North Korean officials on a range of pressing issues, such as the introduction of new democratic reforms, open markets, and greater transparency in the government. In addition, Russia has contributed to North Korea’s economic development by providing financial assistance, goods, and services.
The positive impact of Russian political, economic, and social investment in North Korea should not be underestimated. While some would argue that Russia is ultimately only interested in maintaining an ally on its border, the partnership between the two countries has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of everyday North Koreans. For this reason, it is essential that the international community continues to push for North Korea-Russia cooperation, as it may be instrumental in fostering greater stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The Future of North Korea-Russia Relations
The future of the North Korea-Russia relationship is impossible to predict. However, there are a few things that can be said with some certainty. Tensions on the Korean peninsula are unlikely to abate in the near future, and the North Korea-Russia alliance will remain a cornerstone of regional stability. Furthermore, the two countries are likely to continue their cooperation on economic and energy matters, as well as other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
What the future holds for North Korea-Russia relations is uncertain. However, the two countries can take solace in the fact that they have gone through many ups and downs in the past, and have managed to remain close allies in spite of the many challenges they have faced. As long as they are able to continue to find a balance between their competing perspectives, the North Korea-Russia partnership is likely to remain strong.
