North Korean President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused North Korea of being involved in the war in Ukraine, supporting Russia with not only weapons but also soldiers. South Korea also believes that North Korean personnel have been killed in Ukraine and that Russian ships have transferred North Korean soldiers to Vladivostok. However, Russia denies these allegations.
The deepening military relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. These countries have formed a new team to monitor arms sanctions on North Korea. The US, Ukraine, and South Korea claim that North Korea has been providing weapons to Russia, violating the arms embargo on North Korea.
The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang is described as “largely transactional,” with Russia providing goods and assistance to North Korea in exchange for weapons and military technology. This relationship was formalized with a mutual defence pact signed in June, which includes a mutual assistance clause in case of attack. This has caused concern among the US and its allies.
Experts believe that North Korea’s ultimate goal is to be recognized as a de facto nuclear state, and its alliance with Russia helps it achieve this goal. The advanced military technology and unwavering support from Moscow in the UNSC allows North Korea to continue its nuclear and missile programs without facing consequences.
The international community is closely watching the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as it could have significant implications for the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula. The allegations of North Korean soldiers being present in Ukraine and providing weapons to Russia have further heightened tensions and raised concerns about the extent of their military cooperation.
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