Putin and Kim's secret deal: What Russia offered for North Korean troops in Ukraine

Admiral Samuel Paparo, a general of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, disclosed that North Korea is allegedly receiving aid from Russia in return for supporting President Vladimir Putin's military actions in Ukraine. This information highlights a growing concern about the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops and even more shipping containers of military assistance to Russia since Putin initiated a rapprochement with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in 2023, and now the benefits of that help have been revealed. 

Speaking at the National Defense Forum on December 7th, Admiral Paparo revealed that North Korea cut a deal with Russia that will see Pyongyang outfitted with what he said were “formidable” fourth-generation fighters according to Aviation Week. 

According to Admiral Paparo, Pyongyang reached an agreement with Moscow that will see Russian Mig-29 and Su-27 fighter jets supplied to North Korea in exchange for the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

Aviation Week reported that Admiral Paparo also said that in addition to the aircraft set to be delivered to North Korea, Pyongyang was also likely hoping to get capabilities in exchange for providing military assistance to Russia. 

Ballistic missile technology, particularly that of reentry vehicles, submarine technology, and air defense assistance are all areas that Pyongyang might turn to Moscow for help according to Admiral Paparo. However, the delivery of such technology was not confirmed. 

According to Dr. Edward Howell, Korea Foundation Fellow for the London-based think tank Chatham House’s Asia-Pacific Programme, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the revival of Russia’s relationship with North Korea. 

Letters exchanged between Putin and Kim as early as August 2022 saw the two leaders discuss the possibility of cooperation between the two pariah states and early efforts to forge a stronger bond led to a “weapons-for-cash exchange.”

North Korea received food, financial assistance, and military technology from Moscow in exchange for large amounts of 122mm and 152mm artillery shells. This eventually led to North Korea supplying Russia with ballistic missiles as well. 

Moscow and Pyongyang saw a major shift in their relationship in June 2024 after Putin visited North Korea—the first time he had done so in 24 years according to BBC News. The visit resulted in a defense pact between the two nations. 

The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined the supply of military aid and included a stipulation that both nations would provide immediate military assistance to the other in the event they were attacked according to Euronews. 

The treaty set the groundwork for North Korea to deploy soldiers in Russia, and while no North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the occupied territories, evidence does suggest they have been deployed to Kursk Oblast and engaged with Ukrainian forces. 

Never miss a story! Click here to follow The Daily Digest.