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What is happening?
A series of high-end exchanges between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have occurred in North Korea over the last two weeks, reportedly marking the anniversary of what Russia describes as the liberation of the Kursk region on April 26. The Russian representatives have been invited by the North Korean regime to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology between the two countries.
During the meetings, both countries agreed on long-term military cooperation. Russian agencies reported that a new 5-year defense cooperation plan covering the period from 2027 to 2031 is to be signed later this year.
North Korea and Russia had previously signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2024 after which the DPRK sent 1,500 special operations forces to Russia to participate in Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
What is the broader picture?
The first delegation included Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov and Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, who met Yun Jong-ho, North Korea’s minister for external relations, and Kim Tu-won, the minister for public health, among others.
The delegation attended a ceremony launching the construction of a joint North Korea-Russia Friendship hospital in the Wonsan-Kalma tourist district, a seaside resort opened in 2025. A meeting focusing on supporting increased economic exchanges between the countries was held the next day.
A few days after the first delegation, Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin and other officials visited Pyongyang. They attended an opening ceremony for a memorial museum complex devoted to soldiers killed in Ukraine. While North Korea has previously been secretive about its deployment of troops, this event openly celebrated the partnership and accomplishments, with Kim Jong Un expressing his willingness to support Russia in “defend its sovereignty.”
Later, Kim and Belousov held a meeting to discuss the 5-year military cooperation plan, set to be signed this year.
Why is it important?
With Moscow currently isolated due to its invasion of Ukraine, the DPRK has become an attractive partner for Russia, which needs military assistance and a steady supply of weapons. In return, Russia rewards North Korea with humanitarian and financial help, actively undermining international sanctions on Pyongyang. This assistance allows North Korea to continue with its nuclear weapons programs.
The partnership provides North Korea with an opportunity to test the weapons they have been developing for years, as well as giving them insights into which weapons are being used elsewhere and familiarizing their soldiers with battlefield conditions in a contemporary conflict. Overall, experience gained in Russia can help the DPRK better understand current trends in modern warfare. Additionally, the fact that the plan spans five years suggests that cooperation may continue after the war ends.