How North Korea Is Supporting Putin’s War in Ukraine

Russia’s war in Ukraine might have taken a different turn without the involvement of North Korea. The weaponry and troops provided by Kim Jong Un’s regime have supported the yearslong bombardment of Ukrainian towns and cities, and also helped repel a surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory in 2024.

More than four years after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s advances have stalled, as have diplomatic efforts to resolve the war while the US is preoccupied with its own conflict with Iran. But Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a renewed offensive, according to people familiar with Kremlin discussions. A number of senior Russian officials have visited North Korea this year, raising expectations of more military assistance.