Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said his country could learn from North Korea’s ability to survive under international sanctions despite limited economic resources, while praising Pyongyang’s support for the invasion of Ukraine.

“You said what we can learn? Perhaps, first and foremost, how to organize the rapid and effective mobilization of a country’s economic potential,” Medvedev said in an interview on Monday.

Now serving as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, the former president said the DPRK has succeeded in building a strong defense industry “under a total blockade,” adding that this has enabled the country to ensure its