North Korea Celebrates Its Entry into War Against Ukraine

North Korea held celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Russia — an agreement that has deepened cooperation between the two countries, including support for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

North Korea’s state media released footage from the official ceremonies.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, a joint performance by Russian and North Korean artistic troupes took place in Pyongyang on June 29. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Olga Lyubimova, Russia’s Minister of Culture, attended the event in honor of the treaty’s anniversary.

According to the text of the treaty, in the event of an armed attack on one of the parties, the other is obligated to immediately provide military and other assistance.

The parties also agreed not to enter into agreements with third countries that are directed against one another, and not to allow their territory to be used in ways that violate the sovereignty of the other side. Additionally, the treaty includes commitments to strengthening a “multipolar world order” and to developing cross-border cooperation.

The treaty was signed in June 2024, and both countries ratified it in November of the same year.

However, close military cooperation between the two countries started well before that. In July 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, where he discussed enhancing military cooperation with the North Korean leader.

And by September 2023, maritime traffic between the two countries had intensified. Ships began transporting hundreds of containers from North Korea’s Rajin port to the Russian ports of Dunay and Vostochny.

Since then, North Korea has become a key supplier of ammunition and military equipment to Russia. Estimates suggest that since August 2023, Pyongyang has sent around 21,000 containers filled with weapons and ammunition to Russia, including 4 to 6 million artillery shells.

Deliveries have also included 170mm Koksan self-propelled howitzers, 240mm M1991 multiple rocket launchers, mortars, compact missile systems, and even KN-23 short-range ballistic missile systems.

Additionally, in October 2024, North Korea deployed a military contingent to take part in combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region. The force consisted of approximately 12,000 troops, with reinforcements sent regularly to replace losses. According to estimates, North Korean forces have lost over 6,000 soldiers during offensive operations against Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. Notably, two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces, despite their attempts to take their own lives to avoid capture.

Ukrainian troops describe the North Koreans as formidable adversaries — resilient, physically well-prepared, and mentally disciplined.

Overall, North Korea is believed to have earned around $20 billion from providing military support to Russia. In return, it has reportedly gained access to advanced Russian military technologies, including those related to nuclear-powered submarines and fourth-generation fighter jets.