Recently, American experts have analyzed that North Korea may expect to obtain technical and military assistance in the Ukrainian war by sending troops to support Russia to further promote its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Deployment of North Korean soldiers

The US government confirmed for the first time on October 23 that North Korea has at least 3,000 soldiers stationed in Russia. South Korean intelligence agencies pointed out that North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces to Russia for training and may plan to fight on the battlefield in Ukraine. South Korea expressed great concern about this.

South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Huang Junju said at a briefing of the Security Council that North Korea expects to get rich rewards from Moscow by sending soldiers, which may include military and economic assistance, and even technical support related to nuclear weapons.

Ambitions for nuclear weapons and missile programs

North Korea has recently publicly demonstrated its progress in nuclear weapons and missiles, and even released photos of leader Kim Jong-un inspecting uranium enrichment facilities through state media. Data from the US State Department show that North Korea has exported dozens of ballistic missiles and a large amount of ammunition to Russia since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Experts believe that Kim Jong-un can take this opportunity to "use Russia to obtain more technology." Robert Peters, a researcher at the Heritage Foundation, pointed out that sending troops may be Kim Jong-un's way of expressing goodwill, aiming to reactivate the alliance with Russia to enhance North Korea's nuclear weapons capabilities.

Considerations of economic interests

In addition to military support, North Korea may also gain economic benefits from it. Analysts pointed out that the salaries of North Korean troops may be paid in convertible foreign currencies. It is expected that this initial deployment may bring North Korea nearly $10 million in revenue per month, which is equivalent to about 40% of its legal exports to China.

Robert Abrams, a retired four-star general who served as the commander of the US Forces Korea, said that although the deployment of North Korean soldiers has limited impact on Russia's military structure, it is of great symbolic significance and shows Kim Jong-un's determination to become a strategic partner of Russia.

Deepening of North Korea-Russia relations

In the partnership treaty signed by Putin and Kim Jong-un in June, they promised to provide military assistance in case of attack. Putin recognized the presence of North Korean soldiers at the BRICS summit and stressed that both sides would take the agreement seriously.

As the international situation changes, the relationship between North Korea and Russia is deepening, and the cooperation between the two sides may have an important impact on the future geopolitical situation.