Seoul’s top security adviser said on Friday that Russia gave anti-air missiles to North Korea in exchange for deploying troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 troops to help Russia fight Ukraine, with experts saying Kim Jong Un is seeking advanced technology and warfare for his troops in return. Were eager to gain experience.
Asked what Seoul believes Pyongyang has received for the troops, top security adviser Shin Won-sik said: “It has been recognized that the equipment is intended to strengthen Pyongyang’s weak air defense system. And anti-aircraft missiles have been handed over to North Korea.”
Speaking to local broadcaster SBS, Shin said North Korea had received “various types of economic assistance” and that “after the failure (launch) on May 27, North Korea has been working on satellite-related technology”.
Experts have previously said that in exchange for troops, North Korea was probably aiming to acquire military technology ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines, as well as potential security guarantees from Moscow.
North Korean leader Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty during the Kremlin chief’s visit in June.
It obliges both countries to provide military assistance “without delay” in the event of an attack on each other and to cooperate internationally to resist Western sanctions.
Putin described the deal as a “leading document”.
Experts say Pyongyang could use Ukraine as a means to realign foreign policy.
According to analysts, by sending troops, North Korea is positioning itself as a supplier of weapons, military support and labor within the Russian war economy – potentially bypassing its traditional ally, neighbor and main trading partner, China. .
He says Russia could also provide North Korea with access to vast natural resources such as oil and gas.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui recently visited Moscow and said his country would “stand firmly with our Russian comrades until Victory Day”.
He described Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine as a “sacred struggle” and said Pyongyang trusts Putin’s “wise leadership.”
North Korea and Russia are under UN sanctions – Kim for his nuclear weapons program, and Moscow for the Ukraine war.
When publicly asked last month about the North Korean troop deployment, Putin dodged the question to criticize the West’s support for Ukraine.
North Korea said last month that any troop deployment to Russia would be “an act consistent with the rules of international law,” but it did not confirm it had sent troops.
The troop deployment comes as North Korea marks a change in tone from Seoul, which has resisted calls to send lethal weapons to Kiev but has recently signaled it may change its long-term policy.
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