How Pyongyang’s deployment of troops and munitions is reshaping the balance of power—and making it Moscow’s most indispensable partner

When you think of Russia’s key allies, your mind might go to Iran or China. But recent developments reveal a dramatic realignment: North Korea has become a more critical partner to Russia than either Iran or China. From sending troops and shells to exchanging strategic technologies, Pyongyang now occupies a central role in Moscow’s war effort—and in shaping a new global power dynamic.

Troops in the Field: Unprecedented Military Commitment

In the past weeks, reports have emerged of thousands of North Korean soldiers being deployed to Russia, particularly near the combat zones in the Kursk region. Estimates range from 11,000 to 15,000 troops, with some facing casualties in active front-line operations. This shift marks a significant escalation: for the first time, North Korean infantry is actively participating in a major international conflict—and standing shoulder to shoulder with Russian forces.

This troop deployment comes alongside 6,000 engineers and drone technicians, a hidden force helping Russia sustain its war economy on both the battlefield and the production line.

Munitions and Missiles: Filling Russia’s War Chest

North Korea has also sent millions of artilleries rounds and shells to support Moscow’s offensive. South Korean and U.S. intelligence place the figure at up to 40% of Russia’s current ammunition in Ukraine—potentially as high as 12 million rounds

In return, Russia is reportedly supplying ballistic missile guidance technology, modern air-to-air munitions, and helping improve North Korea’s KN-23 missile accuracy, deepening Pyongyang’s military capabilities

A “Fiery Friendship”

On June 18, 2024, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, binding each to mutual military assistance in case of aggression 

Since ratification in late 2024, the partnership has gone well beyond memoranda—now manifest in troops, weapons, and industrial collaboration.

Russia’s Strategic Pivot: Why North Korea Matters More

Until recently, Iran and China were viewed as Moscow’s strongest blocs:

  • Iran supplied drones and held regional influence, but has recently faltered under U.S. and Israeli strikes, undermining its reliability

  • China, while economically powerful and willing to skirt Western pressure, has avoided direct entanglement—no lethal aid or troop deployments

Enter North Korea—a regime that not only shares Moscow’s distrust of the West but is openly engaging in its war effort with soldiers, weapons, and hardened cooperation. This direct, transactional alliance offers immediate access to manpower and supplies—making it far more valuable to Russia than its traditionally more powerful partners.

Challenging the Autocratic Axis

This Russo–Pyongyang entente is now a key pillar of what is being called the "axis of autocracies" alongside China and Iran

Australia’s intelligence chief called North Korea's involvement “profoundly troubling,” warning against underestimating the strategic depth of this new quartet Al Jazeera. NATO has echoed concern, that the West must now contend with this increasingly intertwined threat.

⚠️ What This Means for the Future

  1. Battlefield Impact
    With fresh troops and munitions, Russia may stabilize front lines in Ukraine—making Western victories more elusive.

  2. Technology Proliferation
    Russia’s help with missile guidance and North Korea's drone production risks transferring advanced weaponry back to Asia—rearming Pyongyang in ways that could threaten South Korea and Japan.

  3. China’s Concern
    Beijing views this alliance warily. Too close a Russia–North Korea bond risks drifting Pyongyang away from its traditional Chinese tether—and may embolden its nuclear ambitions.

  4. Intelligence Lessons
    Western nations now face a multipolar intelligence battlefield with espionage across Eurasia and deep military ties forming behind closed borders.

Final Thought

What began as Russia’s multi-front war in Europe has morphed into an international alliance, where North Korea now plays a lead role—supplying bullets, soldiers, and strategy.

Iran falters under bombardment. China stays cautious. But North Korea—isolated yet emboldened—is proving to be Russia’s most dependable partner in a critical moment.

This marks a pivotal shift: not just in alliances, but in how wars are fought—and with whom.