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North Korea May Have Earned Nearly Half Its GDP From Russia’s War Against Ukraine
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North Korea may have generated as much as $14 billion through military cooperation with Russia during the war against Ukraine, citing estimates from a research institute affiliated with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
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According to a report published by Nikkei Asia on May 11, the reported figure represents a substantial share of North Korea’s economy. UN data referenced by the outlet estimated the country’s GDP at approximately $17.2 billion in 2024, while South Korea’s central bank placed it closer to $25.3 billion.
The revenue came from large-scale deliveries of artillery ammunition, rocket systems, ballistic missiles, and other military equipment supplied to Russia since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The report states that Pyongyang provided Russia with artillery shells, multiple launch rocket systems, and nearly 250 KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles. Some analysts cited by Nikkei Asia believe the missile systems may have benefited from Russian technological assistance.
In exchange, North Korea is believed to have received foreign currency, fuel supplies, industrial materials, consumer goods, and military technologies from Moscow.
According to the report, Russia may have paid more than $600 million for the deployment of North Korean military personnel beginning in late 2024.
Approximately 10,000 North Korean special forces personnel are believed to be operating in support roles connected to the war against Ukraine. The report also mentioned around 10,000 military engineers, drone operators, and technical support personnel assisting Russian units near the frontline.
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Additional deployments may follow. According to Nikkei Asia, Pyongyang is reportedly preparing up to 30,000 additional troops for possible transfer to Russia.
The outlet reported that North Korean personnel deployed in support of Russia are believed to receive approximately $2,000 per month, while families of killed servicemen may receive compensation payments and housing benefits in Pyongyang.
According to South Korea’s central bank, North Korea’s economy grew by 3.7% in 2024, marking the country’s highest annual growth rate since international sanctions were intensified in 2016 over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
“Increased military supplies to Russia could lead to long-term changes in North Korea’s industrial structure and technological capabilities,” researcher Nam Jin Wook of the Korea Development Institute said, as quoted by Nikkei Asia.
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea expanded significantly after Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive partnership agreement in June 2024. Since then, Pyongyang has become one of Moscow’s main foreign suppliers of ammunition and missile systems linked to the war against Ukraine.
Earlier, Russia and North Korea agreed on a new military cooperation framework extending through 2031 during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to Pyongyang in April 2026, according to Deutsche Welle. The agreement followed the expansion of military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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