North Korea receives Russian aid amid Ukraine conflict tensions
Russia supports North Korea with annual payments amounting to approximately £165 million. This is in addition to rice supplies reaching between 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes per year and space technology, reports "The Korean Herald".
The South Korean newspaper highlights that the National Intelligence Service of South Korea (NIS) notes in its report that Pyongyang may incur more losses than gains by siding with Russia in the Ukraine conflict. However, some experts have a different perspective on the situation.
Pyongyang seeks to alleviate the effects of the crisis
"The Korean Herald" cites a statement from former South Korean ambassador to Russia, Wi Sung Lak, who believes that with Russian support, Pyongyang will be able to mitigate the effects of the ongoing financial and food crisis.
The NIS report from October indicates that North Korean soldiers are to receive about £1,650 a month for participating in combat on the front lines in Ukraine. Intelligence estimates from Seoul suggest that deploying at least 10,000 military personnel could mean a total cost of around £165 million.
This sets a high benchmark compared to the average earnings of North Korean residents in Russia, which are around £660 a month. Data obtained by the UN shows that citizens of the DPRK working abroad often remit most of their earnings to the government in Pyongyang.
Kim's substantial support for Russia
According to information from Seoul, Pyongyang has sent not only 10,000 soldiers but also 20,000 containers of ammunition, equating to over 9 million artillery shells of 152 mm calibre.
Wi Sung Lak points out that Russia plans to supply North Korea with rice in the amount of 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes per year, which should significantly alleviate supply shortages. Moscow also plans to assist the DPRK in efforts related to launching a new military satellite.
- It is known that North Korea supports Russia. If war ever breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang may expect Moscow to come to its aid - said Wi Sung Lak.
The leaders of Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defence pact this June, which provides for immediate military assistance in the event of aggression. Intelligence from Seoul also assesses that Russia may consider North Korea as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with the U.S. administration.
