Russia Reaps Billions in Arms From North Korea While Pyongyang Gains Little, German Study Finds
Russia has secured nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and troops from North Korea in its war against Ukraine, while Pyongyang has received only a fraction in return, according to a new German study.
The report, released Thursday by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, describes the partnership as deeply unequal. It estimates that since 2023, North Korea has supplied Moscow with up to $9.8 billion in arms and fighters, while its own benefits amount to just $457 million to $1.19 billion.
Unequal Partnership
The study, titled Unequal Partnership, highlights the growing yet lopsided military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Despite signing a high-profile mutual defense pact in 2024, the gains are overwhelmingly in Russia’s favor.
North Korea has reportedly shipped millions of artillery shells, rockets, and mortar rounds, along with hundreds of artillery systems and launchers. In addition, the report suggests that Kim Jong Un has sent around 15,000 North Korean soldiers to aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In exchange, Moscow has provided limited assistance, mainly in the form of food, fuel, air defense systems, and possibly fighter jets.
The study stresses that no significant flow of hard currency is reaching Pyongyang, as most transactions remain confined within Russia’s banking system.
What North Korea Gains
While North Korea has seen little in terms of direct economic rewards, the foundation notes potential strategic benefits:
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Battlefield testing of its weapons
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Access to Russian military technology
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Stronger political recognition through alignment with a permanent UN Security Council member
Still, analysts warn that the partnership poses a growing threat to European security. The study urges the European Union to tighten controls on dual-use technology, strengthen intelligence cooperation with South Korea and Japan, close energy loopholes, and expand its diplomatic presence in Pyongyang.
Human Cost and Political Alliance
The number of North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine remains uncertain. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that about 2,000 North Korean troops have died so far.
Last month, Kim Jong Un met with families of the fallen, offering condolences for their “unbearable pain” and promising them a “beautiful life,” according to North Korean state media.
Relations between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have grown rapidly since their military alliance was signed in 2024, which commits both sides to provide immediate military support using “all means necessary” if either nation faces aggression.