weapons production, russia, north korea, dprk
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on June 20 that "A treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation has been signed" and "Comrade Kim Jong Un signed the treaty together with Comrade Putin." / Photo: Rodong Sinmun, News1
As the Trump administration pushes to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, North Korean officials are developing plans to maintain a military alliance with Russia even after the conflict concludes.
A North Korean source told Daily NK recently that Pyongyang’s position is that its military strategy isn’t influenced by specific events. This stance suggests that North Korea fundamentally intends to continue developing its military alliance with Russia.
North Korea remains willing to respond immediately if Russia requests additional troops. “The Workers’ Party’s position is that our soldiers will remain beside the Russians in the last trenches, until the final moments when blood is shed in the war,” the source said.
In related developments, some arms factories in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces have begun emergency round-the-clock operations. Given that these facilities typically produce short-range ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers, this intense schedule appears linked to arms exports to Russia.
Simultaneously, North Korea plans to establish its own independent R&D program without rushing technology transfers needed to upgrade its nuclear weapon capabilities.
“Based on agreements for collaboration in various sectors, the government doesn’t believe bilateral technology transfers or joint ventures between our countries need to end just because the war ends. The Workers’ Party aims to continue developing world-class defense technology through ongoing joint ventures and exchanges,” the source explained.
“While accelerating technological development through cooperation with Russia is desirable, it’s not considered essential. The Workers’ Party plans to continue achieving military and economic development through self-sufficiency and technological independence,” the source added.
In essence, North Korean authorities remain determined to strengthen the country’s defense without depending on foreign nations, while simultaneously deepening their military alliance with Russia.
North Korea seeks cooperation with China, but wary of U.S. engagement
Some analysts have suggested North Korea might take steps to improve relations with the United States depending on the Trump administration’s approach, but North Korean leadership still believes Trump cannot be trusted.
“The government believes global peace will remain elusive as long as the United States continues its machinations. Dialogue can happen anytime, but our position is that our American counterparts must guarantee the autonomy and safety of our Republic,” the source stated.
Notably, North Koreans haven’t forgotten the disappointing “no deal” outcome of the 2019 Hanoi summit. Kim Jong Un traveled 60 hours by train across China only to return empty-handed after meeting with Trump. North Koreans still believe Kim was disrespected and his international standing was damaged.
Consequently, North Korea has adopted the principle that the United States must take meaningful action before Pyongyang engages in dialogue. “The U.S. needs to demonstrate it’s serious about confidence-building measures and halt all behaviors that infringe upon our autonomy,” the source said.
Meanwhile, North Korea plans to strengthen economic cooperation with China.
“We will implement realistic measures to enhance our friendly relations with China even after the Russia-Ukraine war ends. Despite some geopolitical challenges, we’re planning to reinforce our relationship based on mutual trust and respect,” the source explained.
“We’re moving toward increasing cooperation with China in multiple areas unknown to the international community,” the source added.
Regular imports of sanctioned items across the border in Jagang province and Hyesan in Ryanggang province through state-approved smuggling, along with the ongoing assignment of North Korean workers to China, are likely part of this bilateral cooperation.
In the midst of these developments, North Korea’s Propaganda and Agitation Department is preparing ideological material to ready the public for the end of the Ukraine war.
“They’re developing propaganda about how Ukraine was thrown into war after abandoning its nuclear weapons for empty security commitments, while Russia actually improved the situation through its bold decision to intervene,” the source revealed.
North Korea plans to convince its citizens about the correctness of strengthening its nuclear arsenal and emphasize that military power is essential for peace and security.
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