Russia-DPRK Partnership: Implications for the West
Riccardo Villa and Mats Engman
This issue brief examines the evolving relationship between the DPRK and Russia, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The partnership has deepened, with North Korea supporting Russia diplomatically and receiving military and economic aid in return. This alliance, formalized during Putin’s 2024 visit to Pyongyang, has significant implications for regional stability and global geopolitics, including for Europe. The DPRK-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership encompasses military, economic, and technological cooperation, challenging U.S.-ROK alliance strategies and potentially intensifying regional arms races and provocations. The DPRK’s selective engagement strategy underscores its prioritization of relationships that bolster its security and economic interests amidst global tensions.
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