North Korea Reportedly Receives Troop Salaries and Rice From Russia for Supporting War in Ukraine

North Korea is reportedly receiving money, food supplies, and advanced space technology from Russia as compensation for joining its war against Ukraine.

This was reported by The Korea Herald on November 3, citing Wi Sung-lac, Seoul's former ambassador to Russia and the NIS .

The NIS informed last week that each North Korean soldier deployed to fight for Russia would receive a monthly salary of approximately $2,000. According to Wi, at least 10,000 North Korean troops are expected to be sent to Ukraine, generating annual revenue exceeding $200 million.

The lawmaker, referencing intelligence briefings, indicated that Russia is also believed to have played a role in alleviating North Korea's food shortage. With Moscow now purchasing artillery shells from North Korea, much of the food shortage has likely been alleviated through arms trade, he noted.

“The 4 million tons of grains that North Korea says it produces per year are actually about 1 million tons short of what it needs to feed the country. If Russia is offering 600,000 to 700,000 tons of rice, that is enough to cover more than half of what North Korea would need to meet the year’s demand,” Wi said.

The NIS believes Russia is also aiding North Korea with advanced space technology, as Pyongyang prepares for the launch of another military reconnaissance satellite. However, the most significant advantage for North Korea in this agreement could be securing Russia's commitment to join its side in the event of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

“North Korea is on record as having fought for Russia. If there ever is a war on the Korean Peninsula, North Korea can now expect Russia to come and help,” Wi said.

According to estimates from Ukrainian Intelligence on October 24, the number of North Korean military personnel transferred to Russia is currently around 12,000, including 500 officers, among them 3 generals from Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced during a briefing on October 31 that 8,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.