Russia's $200m aid bolsters North Korea amid crisis
Russia provides support to North Korea in the form of annual payments amounting to $200 million. In addition to rice supplies reaching approximately 600,000-700,000 metric tons per year and space technology, reports the newspaper "The Korean Herald."
The South Korean newspaper emphasizes that the National Intelligence Service of South Korea (NIS) points out in its report that Pyongyang may incur more losses than benefits by siding with Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. However, some experts have a different view on the situation.
Pyongyang seeks to mitigate the effects of the crisis
"The Korean Herald" quotes a statement from former South Korean ambassador to Russia, Wi Sung Lak, who believes that thanks to Russian support, Pyongyang will be able to mitigate the effects of the current financial and food crisis.
The NIS report from October indicates that North Korean soldiers are to receive about $2,000 a month for participating in combat on the front lines in Ukraine. Intelligence estimates from Seoul suggest that deploying at least 10,000 military personnel could mean a cost of around $200 million.
This sets a high bar compared to the average earnings of North Korean residents in Russia, which hover around $800 a month. Data obtained by the UN shows that citizens of the DPRK working abroad often remit most of their earnings to the government in Pyongyang.
Kim's colossal support for Russia
According to information from Seoul, Pyongyang has sent not only 10,000 soldiers but also 20,000 containers of ammunition, translating to over 9 million 152 mm caliber shells.
Wi Sung Lak points out that Russia plans to supply North Korea with rice in the amount of approximately 600,000-700,000 metric tons per year, which should significantly reduce supply shortages. Moscow also plans to assist the DPRK in actions related to launching a new military satellite.
- It is known that North Korea fights for Russia. If war were ever to break out on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang may expect Moscow to come to its aid - said Wi Sung Lak.
The leaders of Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense pact this June, which provides for immediate military assistance in the event of aggression. Intelligence from Seoul also assesses that Russia may regard North Korea as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with the U.S. administration.
