North Korea has earned billions in revenue for supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine
According to estimates, North Korea may have earned up to $14 billion over the past three years by supplying weapons and other military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine. This includes the transfer of artillery shells, missiles, and spare parts for Soviet-era equipment, as well as the possible deployment of military personnel.
Nikkei reported this on May 11.
According to the Bank of Korea, North Korea’s economic growth in 2024 was 3.7%—the highest rate in eight years. Following this, North Korea’s GDP stood at approximately $26.6 billion.
There are about 10,000 North Korean special forces soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine, as well as thousands of engineers and hundreds of drone operators. The North Koreans receive approximately $2,000 per month, and the families of those killed can count on payments and elite housing in Pyongyang.
North Korea has also supplied Russia with KN-23 ballistic missiles, artillery shells, and rocket artillery. In exchange for military aid, the DPRK received foreign currency, energy resources, food, and military technology from Russia. This undermines the effectiveness of global economic sanctions against the country, imposed in 2016 for conducting nuclear tests and launching ballistic missiles.
“An increase in military material shipments to Russia could lead to long-term changes in North Korea’s industrial structure and technological capabilities,” says Nam Jin-wook, a researcher at the Korea Development Institute.
The rapid growth of the defense industry and improved energy supplies are already having a positive impact on the lives of residents in the North Korean capital. Eyewitnesses say that in 2025, the number of luxury cars on the streets has noticeably increased compared to previous years.
As a reminder, North Korea amended its constitution, officially defining the state’s territory as bordering South Korea. At the same time, any references to a possible reunification of the two countries were completely removed from the document.
North Korea recently launched several unidentified ballistic missiles from the Sinpo area. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff recorded the launches at around 6:10 a.m. local time.
North Korea has likely significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal capabilities by intensifying work at key strategic facilities.
