Closer North Korea-Russia ties: A grave threat demanding unified action

March 13, 2024

PHNOM PENH – The relationship between North Korea and Russia goes all the way back to the Cold War when the two countries worked together as partners against the Western bloc.

Russia became more helpful and realistic with the West and South Korea after the fall of the Soviet Union, which made their relationship tense and far more distant.

There are signs that the relationship between North Korea and Russia is getting stronger again. This is because both countries are facing more problems and pressures worldwide. Russia’s takeover of Crimea and interference in eastern Ukraine have been harshly criticised and punished by the US and its allies.

North Korea’s ongoing efforts to build nuclear and missile capabilities have led to many UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and harsh actions. Building on their shared concerns and interests, North Korea and Russia have been working to strengthen their strategic relationship and help each other.

The contemporary deepening ties are an alarming alliance that severely undermines human rights, enables weapons proliferation, and destabilises security on the Korean Peninsula. As Pyongyang embraces Moscow economically and militarily, the international community must unite to halt this dangerous relationship before costs escalate further.

A closer relationship between North Korea and Russia could lead to a trade in arms and technology that benefits both countries. This would make both nations’ militaries stronger and weaken sanctions.

News reports say that North Korea has sent containers to Russia that could hold millions of artillery shells. This lets President Vladimir Putin keep attacking Ukraine even though Kyiv is running out of ammo. In exchange, Russia gives North