North Korea has reportedly generated up to $14 billion over three years by deploying its troops to fight alongside Russia in the Ukraine war and supplying arms to Moscow. This figure is comparable to the annual GDP of the isolated nation, according to a South Korean intelligence agency study cited by the Japanese news outlet Nikkei.
The South Korean central bank indicated that North Korea’s economic growth linked to its military engagement in Ukraine is projected to reach 3.7% in 2024, marking the highest growth rate in years. Estimates suggest that North Korea could have received between $7 billion and $13.8 billion from Russia for supplying missile artillery and approximately 250 KN-23 missiles. Additionally, analysts believe that Russia has paid over $600 million for the involvement of North Korean troops.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers to the front lines was first reported in the fall of 2024, with both Moscow and Pyongyang later confirming their participation in combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Official statements indicated that the North Korean contingent suffered casualties, although specific numbers were not disclosed. Investigators have estimated that more than 2,000 North Korean soldiers may have been killed, with over 10,000 troops sent to the front in total. Some North Korean military personnel remain in Russia, although reports of their active engagement in combat are lacking. Furthermore, North Korea continues to supply weapons and ammunition to Russia.
North Korea's military involvement in the Ukraine conflict has led to significant financial gains, amounting to $14 billion over three years. This participation has also resulted in notable economic growth for the country, despite the human cost of deploying troops to the front lines.
Source: Nikkei