The Ukraine war has drawn North Korea back into Moscow’s political orbit | NK News
NK News Logo
December 14, 2024

NK News is hiring

Analysis

The Ukraine war has drawn North Korea back into Moscow’s political orbit

Pyongyang has offered vocal and material support for Russia’s invasion and stands to gain as conflict enters second year

One year ago this week, Russia upended not only Europe but global geopolitics when it launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine. And since the beginning, the international community has had its sights on how the war would impact North Korea’s long-term relationship with the Kremlin.

There appeared to be several possibilities for how things could unfold. Pyongyang could criticize the flagrant violation of Ukraine’s territory and move closer to Beijing. Or it might begrudgingly support their comrades in Moscow out of a sense of old-fashioned solidarity, while doing little else amid COVID lockdowns. Or it might fervently support the Kremlin’s “special military operation.”

Become a member for less
than $5.75 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.