If there were any doubts about the extent of the alliance between North Korea and Russia, they’ve been recently dispelled for good. First, an unusual cargo arrived at Pyongyang’s ports in the form of a gift: a shipment of animals. Almost simultaneously, but in the opposite direction, a delivery of weapons arrived in Russia. In the end, satellite images revealed the most significant treasure of all. It came in the form of liquid gold that bypasses all sanctions: oil.
Tigers and bears. A few days ago, Russia transferred more than 70 animals, including an African lion, two brown bears, five white cockatoos, and 45 pheasants, to Pyongyang’s central zoo. This was presented as a “gift from [Russian President] Vladimir Putin to the Korean people.” Led by Russia’s natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov, the gesture highlighted the growing ties between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Kozlov, animals have traditionally played a special role in international relations, symbolizing support, kindness, and care. The delivery was accompanied by veterinarians from the Moscow Zoo. Images released show the animals in cages during transport and local authorities receiving the “gift.”
A North Korean gift. The Russian “gift” is a testament to the close cooperation between Russia and North Korea. In June, both countries signed a mutual defense pact that obligates them to assist each other in case of an attack.
North Korea has recently fulfilled this commitment by supplying Russia with military resources. Shortly after news broke about Russia’s shipment of animals to Pyongyang, reports indicated that North Korea sent powerful artillery systems to Russia. These include 170 mm Koksan self-propelled howitzers and 240 mm multiple rocket launcher systems, which are known to be some of the most formidable in North Korea’s arsenal. The “gifted” weapons complement the thousands of North Korean troops reportedly fighting on the Russian front.
Key artillery. The Koksan systems, with an operational range of up to 37 miles and a high rate of fire, are particularly suited for rapid, strategic assaults. While based on older Soviet technology, experts assert that North Korean artillery is both reliable and easy to maintain. The recent Pyongyang shipment highlights the crucial role of artillery in modern warfare, where relentless bombardments from both sides necessitate robust artillery capabilities to inflict significant damage on the enemy.
Additionally, this development partly reflects the tacit approval given by President Biden in the U.S.’ provision of missiles to Ukraine, which has been echoed by other allies. There’s rising concern that North Korea’s provision of military equipment will enhance Russia’s ability to sustain its bombing campaigns. The situation has alarmed Kyiv, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who continues to emphasize the shortages of ammunition coming from the West.
The transfer of ammunition from Pyongyang to Moscow also heightens global tensions by raising questions about potential future technological or military collaborations between Russia and North Korea.
The mother of all “gifts.” The BBC recently revealed the extent of the relationship between both nations. Through satellite imagery and analysis by the Open Source Centre, it’s come to light that Russia has shipped more than one million barrels of oil to North Korea since March 2024.
According to the BBC, this oil supply appears to be payment for the weapons and troops that Pyongyang has provided Moscow for its war in Ukraine. More importantly, however, it violates United Nations sanctions that restrict North Korea’s oil imports to 500,000 barrels per year.
Hidden donation. Satellite images reportedly show that North Korean tankers have made up to 43 trips to the port of Vostochny in Eastern Russia, arriving empty and leaving loaded to about 90% of their capacity. These operations were carried out without activating the ships’ trackers, allowing North Korea to obtain higher-quality oil while avoiding the riskier and more costly illicit methods used previously.
Moreover, this supply is expected to ensure energy stability for North Korea, enabling it to maintain its military apparatus, including munitions factories and missile transport. In return, North Korea has reportedly sent Russia thousands of artillery and rocket containers, as well as troops who may potentially fight in the Russian Kursk region. This alliance bolsters the military capabilities of both nations while defying international restrictions.
Defying sanctions. Additionally, the BBC reported that Russia hasn’t only ignored these sanctions but, in March 2024, also used its veto in the Security Council to dismantle the UN monitoring panel. Experts understand that more than half of the ships involved in these transfers were under sanctions, which should’ve barred them from accessing Russian ports. According to Eric Penton-Voak, former leader of the UN panel, this action reflects a “new level of contempt.”
Overall, while the collaboration between Russia and North Korea was already known, these new “gifts” shed light on the depth of their ties. This uneasy alliance raises concerns in the West, particularly with the implication that Russia may perceive a significant improvement in its weapons technology resulting from this war aid.
Image | Kremlin
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