A strategic shift confirmed in May 2025
At the end of April 2025, North Korea officially confirmed that it had sent troops and weapons to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. This military deployment — estimated at between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers by South Korean and American intelligence services — reportedly began in October 2024. Mainly by sea.
In a speech delivered on May 9 at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, during the Victory Day celebrations, Kim Jong Un called this intervention a “sacred mission” to counter U.S. influence around the world. He praised his soldiers as “the most excellent sons of the Korean people.” He said they had helped reclaim the Kursk region, which he claimed had been taken back from Ukrainian forces.
Echoing Russian narratives, Kim described Ukraine as a country occupied by “neo-Nazi” forces. He compared U.S. support for Kyiv to its alliance with Seoul, calling both capitals “faithful lackeys of Washington.” This unprecedented military partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow marks a major strategic shift in Asia. It raises serious concerns about the long-term stability of this authoritarian alliance in today’s global order.
A growing military involvement and its consequences
Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia reached a significant level in 2025. North Korean troops were sent to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. In addition to sending troops, Pyongyang provided critical military equipment. This included artillery systems and short-range ballistic missiles. These weapons strengthened Russia’s offensive capabilities on the ground.
In exchange, Russia offered technical assistance in air defense and satellite technologies. This helped enhance North Korea’s deterrence capabilities.
This collaboration marks a major turning point in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. It strengthens a strategic partnership against Western pressure. It also highlights the rise of this authoritarian bloc. The consequences of this military alignment go beyond the Ukraine conflict. It raises questions about the long-term impact on regional stability and global geopolitical balances.
International reactions and geopolitical implications
North Korea’s direct involvement in the Ukrainian conflict has triggered strong reactions on the international stage. The United States, in particular, condemned it as a clear violation of the international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang for its nuclear and military activities. These sanctions aim to limit North Korea’s access to resources and technologies needed for its military ambitions. Yet they have been largely ignored by Kim Jong Un’s regime, despite growing global pressure.
For European allies, North Korea’s increased involvement with Russia is a direct challenge to the international order. This order is based on multilateralism and respect for international law.
In response, countries like Australia have stepped up efforts to enforce sanctions against Pyongyang. Australia, for instance, deployed a destroyer and a surveillance aircraft as part of Operation Argos. This operation aims to monitor maritime activities related to weapons exports and violations of international restrictions. This move reflects Canberra’s determination to maintain pressure on North Korea. It also shows Australia’s role in defending the global rule-based order.
The Russia-North Korea alliance marks a turning point in the fragmentation of the international system. It strengthens ties between Moscow and an isolated authoritarian state. It also shows direct opposition to Western democracies. This strategic partnership is backed by military and technical cooperation. It could lead to a new alignment of global alliances. Countries that feel isolated or face sanctions, like Iran or Venezuela, might grow closer to Russia and China. These two major powers are challenging U.S. dominance and that of its allies.
This geopolitical shift could have long-term effects. It may increase global tensions and change power dynamics, especially in Asia. North Korea’s growing presence could fuel new rivalries with Japan or South Korea. These countries are already affected by Pyongyang’s nuclear provocations. North Korea’s support for Russia, combined with deeper military and technological ties, could weaken the liberal international order. It may also deepen the polarization of international relations.
