North Korea’s Troops in Ukraine: A Dangerous Alliance Fueling Russia’s War

Introduction: A Shocking Revelation

A chilling report from the United Nations has exposed a deepening and dangerous partnership between North Korea and Russia, with thousands of North Korean troops deployed to support Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. Described as a “myriad of unlawful activities,” this collaboration not only violates international sanctions but also escalates the ongoing conflict, raising serious questions about global security. As North Korea’s isolated regime steps onto the world stage as a military ally of Russia, what does this mean for Ukraine, the United Nations, and the balance of power? Let’s dive into the details of this alarming development.

The UN Report: Unveiling Unlawful Activities

According to a recent report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), comprising 11 UN member states including the US, UK, and Japan, North Korea has supplied Russia with over 11,000 troops, at least 100 ballistic missiles, and up to 9 million rounds of artillery and rocket launcher ammunition in 2024 alone. These actions, detailed in a report published on May 29, 2025, are in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit arms transfers and military cooperation with North Korea due to its nuclear weapons program. The MSMT’s findings reveal that this “unlawful cooperation” has bolstered Russia’s ability to intensify missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting critical civilian infrastructure and “terrorizing” populations in places like Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.

The report also highlights Russia’s reciprocal support, providing North Korea with advanced military technology, including air defense systems, drones, and possibly even space and satellite capabilities. This transactional relationship, cemented by a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024, marks a significant escalation in the ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, two regimes increasingly isolated from the international community.

North Korea’s Role in Russia’s War

North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict is not just about numbers—it’s about strategic impact. The deployment of North Korean troops, primarily in Russia’s Kursk region, began in late 2024 to counter a surprise Ukrainian incursion. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed the presence of these troops in April 2025, with Kim calling them “heroes” who fought to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers.” The troops, estimated at 11,000 to 15,000, have been integrated into Russian operations, training alongside Russian forces and using modern weapons like the AK-12 assault rifle.

The human cost has been staggering. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that North Korea has suffered around 4,700 casualties, including 600 deaths, with many injured soldiers repatriated by air or train. The bodies of deceased soldiers are reportedly cremated in Russia before being sent back to North Korea. These figures underscore the intensity of the fighting and the high price Pyongyang is paying for its alliance with Moscow.

Why Is North Korea Involved?

North Korea’s motivations are multifaceted. First, the regime seeks to gain military and economic benefits from Russia. Reports suggest that Pyongyang has received air defense systems, electronic warfare equipment, drones, and possibly spy satellite technology in exchange for its support. The South Korea Institute for Defense Analyses estimates that North Korea has generated over $20 billion for its economy through this partnership, a significant boost for a nation crippled by sanctions.

Second, Kim Jong Un is positioning North Korea as a global player. By aligning with Russia, Pyongyang counters its diplomatic isolation and gains leverage against adversaries like the US and South Korea. Kim’s public statements, including his justification of the deployment as a defense of a “brother nation,” signal a desire to project strength and solidarity with Russia.

Finally, North Korea is gaining valuable combat experience. Ukrainian commanders report that North Korean troops, initially used in poorly supported “meat assaults,” have adapted to modern warfare, improving their capabilities with drones and other advanced weaponry. This experience could enhance North Korea’s military readiness, posing a long-term threat to regional stability in East Asia.

Russia’s Reliance on North Korea

For Russia, North Korea’s support is a lifeline in a war that has stretched its resources thin. The influx of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles has replenished Russia’s depleted stocks, enabling intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The deployment of North Korean troops in Kursk, where Russia struggled to repel Ukrainian forces, has been a critical boost. Russian military commander Valery Gerasimov praised the North Korean soldiers for their “fortitude and heroism,” claiming they helped achieve the “complete liberation” of the region—a claim Ukraine disputes.

This reliance on North Korea highlights Russia’s desperation. Facing sanctions and a prolonged conflict, Moscow has turned to an isolated regime to sustain its war effort, a move that has drawn condemnation from the US, South Korea, and other Western nations. The US has called for an end to North Korea’s military deployment, warning that it “perpetuates the Russia-Ukraine war” and destabilizes global security.

Global Implications: A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

The North Korea-Russia alliance has far-reaching consequences. For Ukraine, the influx of North Korean troops and weapons complicates an already dire situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using North Korean forces to “terrorize” civilians, while also alleging that China may be indirectly supporting Russia by recruiting its citizens for the war. These developments could prolong the conflict and undermine peace negotiations, which have faltered amid tensions between Ukraine and Western allies.

For the United Nations, the report exposes the limitations of its sanctions regime. Russia’s veto power in the Security Council has hindered enforcement, as evidenced by the disbandment of a previous UN panel monitoring North Korea sanctions after Russian pressure. The MSMT’s formation in 2024 was a response to this gap, but the scale of violations suggests that sanctions alone cannot curb this alliance.

In the Indo-Pacific, the US military has raised alarms about the security risks posed by North Korea’s enhanced capabilities. General Samuel Paparo, a top US commander, warned that Russia’s military assistance to North Korea, including potential space technology transfers, could destabilize the region. North Korea’s growing military prowess, combined with its combat experience, may embolden Kim Jong Un to pursue more aggressive policies.

The Human and Ethical Cost

Beyond geopolitics, the human toll of this alliance is profound. North Korean soldiers, often described as poorly trained and thrown into brutal “meat assaults,” have faced heavy losses. Ukrainian commanders note their resilience, with one stating, “They do not surrender,” reflecting the indoctrination and desperation of these troops. Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians bear the brunt of intensified Russian attacks, with North Korean-supplied missiles targeting cities and infrastructure. The UN report’s description of these actions as “terrorizing” underscores the ethical crisis of this partnership.

What’s Next?

As North Korea and Russia deepen their military ties, the international community faces a critical juncture. Western nations have called for diplomacy, urging North Korea to engage in “meaningful” talks, but Kim Jong Un’s rhetoric suggests little interest in de-escalation. The US and its allies are pushing for stronger measures, including a proposed war crimes tribunal targeting Russian officials, which could extend to North Korea’s actions. However, with Russia’s veto power and China’s reluctance to confront its neighbor, the path to accountability remains uncertain.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the World

The alliance between North Korea and Russia is a stark reminder of how isolated regimes can reshape global conflicts. By supplying troops and weapons, North Korea is not only prolonging the war in Ukraine but also gaining resources and experience that could destabilize East Asia. The United Nations’ findings demand urgent attention, as they reveal a web of unlawful activities that threaten international norms. As this partnership grows, the world must confront the implications of a new axis of power and its impact on peace and security.

Thought Questions for Readers:

1. How should the international community respond to North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine, given the challenges of enforcing UN sanctions?

2. What are the long-term risks of North Korea gaining advanced military technology from Russia?

3. Could this alliance inspire other isolated regimes to engage in similar partnerships, and how might that reshape global alliances?