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Russia Is Making North Korea a Combat Power—and Bankrolling Its War Machine
As the United States and Russia prepare for peace talks in Alaska on August 15, Ukraine’s top military spy is sounding the alarm over an unexpected beneficiary of the war in Europe: North Korea.
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
By sending troops, weapons, and military technology to support Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the isolated regime in Pyongyang has gained invaluable battlefield experience, advanced weaponry, and new combat tactics—advantages that could shift the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, said Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), in an interview with The Japan Times on August 13.
“There are currently only three countries in the world with the experience of waging a modern war on a very long front line using virtually all available conventional means—these are Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea,” Budanov said.
Billions flow from Moscow to Pyongyang
According to Budanov, the Kremlin is paying for “all military equipment and troops” provided by Pyongyang—a deal worth “tens of billions of dollars” to one of the most economically isolated nations in the world.
North Korea now supplies roughly 40% of Russia’s 122 mm and 152 mm artillery needs, with production running “around the clock,” Budanov said.
It has also delivered hundreds of artillery systems, rocket launchers, and missiles, many of which have been upgraded by Russia to improve accuracy and reliability.
From high casualties to modern combat skills
About 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to fight in Russia’s Kursk region last year, with an estimated 5,000 killed or wounded.
Early casualties were blamed on poor preparation for 21st-century warfare, language barriers with Russian forces, and even incidents of “friendly fire.”
But Budanov noted that the troops “adapted quickly,” learning to operate in small units, use drones effectively, and defend against them.
Ukrainian intelligence believes North Korea has already replenished its forces in Russia back to 12,000, with more deployments likely, possibly disguised as civilian workers.
Tanks, troops, and a strategic alliance
Russia’s Security Council has said Pyongyang will send 6,000 military engineers to clear mines and build fortifications, along with 50 to 100 pieces of equipment, including M2010 (Cheonma-D) tanks and BTR-80 armored vehicles.
In return, Moscow is providing money, food, fuel, advanced training, and military technology—including support for North Korea’s drone and satellite programs.
Russian air-defense systems like the Pantsir-S1 have reportedly been deployed in Pyongyang, and North Korean officers are undergoing combat training at Russian bases.
A threat beyond Ukraine
Budanov emphasized that this deepening alliance poses a wider danger.
“We have consistently emphasized that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang does not only pose a threat to Ukraine,” he said.
He warned that the mutual defense pact between the two nations could weaken Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang, making the regime more unpredictable—and more prone to aggressive moves.
“The risk of impulsive, threatening actions by the North Korean regime should therefore be taken seriously,” Budanov said.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a phone call with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un just days before his planned meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine.
During the call, Putin thanked Kim for his support of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The two leaders “exchanged views on issues of mutual interest,” the outlet reported.
