North Korea Made $21.5 Billion From the Ukraine War—Here’s Where It Might Go

KCTV
KCTV

The Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) estimated North Korea gained about $20 billion from the ongoing war in Ukraine. On Monday, KIDA released a report titled “Economic Impacts and Strategic Responses to Russia–North Korea Military Cooperation.”

The report’s author, senior analyst Park Yonghan, warned that the military alliance between Russia and North Korea poses a major threat to the Korean Peninsula and the wider Northeast Asian region. He said it also harms global geopolitics, especially in Ukraine.

Park added that North Korea maintained its “deal with the devil” with Russia during the war in Ukraine and earned an estimated $20 billion. He warned that future cooperation could let North Korea acquire technology for strategic weapons, including nuclear-powered submarines, or gain advanced arms, such as fighter jets, to boost its military power.

The $20 billion economic benefit includes about $275 million from troop deployment, about $19 billion from material aid such as ammunition, and around $620 million from technical assistance.

The report reveals that Russia pays North Korean soldiers in Ukraine about $2,000 per month plus a one-time bonus. However, North Korean authorities intercept the payments and give only a fraction to the deployed troops.

Park noted that the $20 billion could ease North Korea’s chronic food shortages and cover its food deficit for up to 33 years.

He added that the North Korean regime will unlikely use the funds to improve living conditions. Instead, it may produce and launch about 700 long-range missiles, each costing around $28.5 million, or cover elite luxury expenses, estimated at $1.7 billion per year, for over a decade.

Park predithat North Korea may use its military ties with Russia to obtain items it cannot access through conventional means.

He explained that North Korea could demand advanced 4th-generation or higher fighter jets. Since the 2000s, North Korea has tried to modernize its outdated air force. South Korea’s deployment of 5th-generation F-35A fighters has widened the air power gap even more.

He continued that Russia may not meet such requests now due to wartime supply limits but could agree to future deliveries once its capabilities recover after the conflict.

Park also suggested that North Korea may seek Russian help to develop satellite payloads, including high-performance optical gear. He expects North Korea to request technology and equipment to improve its weak air defense systems. He added that North Korea may rely on Russia’s support to strengthen its supply of critical war materials, including pharmaceuticals, which are difficult to produce due to its lack of technological capability.

The analyst also pointed to a higher risk of Russian involvement on the Korean Peninsula if a crisis occurs.

Park stated that this military cooperation raises the risk of Russian involvement in Korean Peninsula affairs during future conflicts. Just as North Korea aids Russia in the Ukraine war, Russia could supply arms or even send troops to support North Korea. In cases of instability, such as a sudden regime change, the alliance could help Kim retain power.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Latest Automotive News

    CP-2023-0067-26796721-thumb
    Putin Says Russia’s Nukes Are '100%'—Experts Say, Not So Fast
    CP-2023-0065-26746518-thumb
    Toyota’s Sienna Might Be Getting a Bold New Look — Check Out
    CP-2022-0212-26773610-thumb
    China Says U.S. Tariffs Won’t Slow Down Its Car Exports
    CP-2023-0082-26789547-thumb
    Leaked Video Fuels Rumors of Illegal North Korean Labor in Russia
    CP-2023-0232-26791237-thumb
    North Korea Freaks Out Over U.S. Bomber Flyover — Threatens 'Big Payback'

    Tranding Now

    CP-2023-0186-26337686-thumb
    Peugeot’s Latest 7-Seater Hybrid Looks Luxe—and Starts Under $34K
    71
    Apocalypse-Ready: The Ultimate Survival Car Unveiled
    CP-2023-0030-25363678-thumb
    A Hybrid for $11,000? Honda Fit’s Price Tag Turns Heads Across Asia
    $60K for a Civic Mitsuoka’s M55 Is a Bold Blend of Past and Present
    $60K for a Civic? Mitsuoka’s M55 Is a Bold Blend of Past and Present
    CP-2023-0397-25235067-thumb
    Tesla Recalls 46,000 Cybertrucks—Here’s What You Need to Know
    CP-2024-0027-24022656-thumb
    Volvo’s New ES90 Sedan Promises a 435-Mile Range and Ultra-Fast Charging
    CP-2023-0225-26788802-thumb
    183 Inches Long, Just 40 Tall—GM’s New Electric Corvette Concept Stuns Europe
    CP-2023-0065-23272815-thumb
    Toyota Reimagines the HiAce with GR Parts: Two Bold Versions for Every Style
    68
    Kia's EV9 Pickup: A Miserable Design or a Future Success?
    Riga,,Lv,-,Jun,11,,2023:,Tesla,Model,S,2022
    China’s 125% Tariff Is Too Much—Tesla Backs Off

  • Recommended

    CP-2023-0065-26746518-thumb
    Toyota’s Sienna Might Be Getting a Bold New Look — Check Out
    The Toyota Sienna is set for a facelift, featuring bold hammerhead styling and a futuristic rear design...
    CP-2022-0212-26773610-thumb
    China Says U.S. Tariffs Won’t Slow Down Its Car Exports
    U.S. tariffs on autos may not impact Chinese vehicles much, as exports are low. Chinese brands may find...
    CP-2023-0030-26705288-thumb
    A Chinese Car That Doesn’t Copy? GAC’s CC4 Is Out to Change Minds
    GAC's CC4 concept car showcases modern EV design, challenging perceptions of Chinese vehicles while emphasizing...
    CP-2023-0067-26796710-thumb
    5.3 Seconds to 60: Kia’s EV9 Nightfall Edition Debuts With Boosted Power
    Kia unveiled the EV9 Nightfall Edition SUV and K4 hatchback at the 2025 New York Auto Show, showcasing...
    altered
    Meet the 637-HP Brabus #5: Faster Than a BMW M3, Charges to 80% in 18 Minutes
    Smart unveils the Brabus #5, a high-performance electric SUV with 637 hp, 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, and...
    CP-2022-0212-26770547-thumb
    Genesis Just Unveiled a Hypercar and Off-Road SUV—And They're Stunning
    Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept SUV and GMR-001 hypercar, marking its expansion into electrification...
    tire altered
    Just for Tesla: Hankook's New EV Tire Drops Online for Limited Supply
    Hankook Tire launches the iON Evo Formula E Edition, a high-performance tire designed for electric vehicles,...
    CP-2023-0225-26788802-thumb
    183 Inches Long, Just 40 Tall—GM’s New Electric Corvette Concept Stuns Europe
    General Motors unveils an electric Chevrolet Corvette concept, blending tradition with innovation for...