Kim Jong Un is embracing Russia for his regime’s survival
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. SEOUL—Kim Jong Un tried peace talks and refrained from testing new weapons to shed North Korea’s status as a pariah state. Now he is doubling down on rogue behavior to get what he wants.
By recently sending thousands of troops to the Russian front lines, Kim has opened a new chapter for his cash-strapped regime. The move thrusts the “Hermit Kingdom" into global affairs in a way that it has shunned since the 1950-53 Korean War. By going all-in on Russia, Kim is forging an unproven—and even more brazen—path to achieve regime security, advance his country’s nuclear program and win economic relief.
Seemingly eroded, for now, are the traditional levers of detente with South Korea, nuclear talks with the U.S. and widespread diplomatic support from Europe. Now, much of Kim’s ambitions hinge on the burgeoning military symbiosis with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In return for the troops, munitions and missiles, Kim has already pocketed Moscow’s protection at the United Nations and an uptick in cross-border trade. Officials from the U.S., South Korea and elsewhere also believe Kim has asked Russia for help to improve North Korea’s top weaponry—much of which is based on Soviet-era systems. “It’s North Korea 2.0 that Kim is pursuing," said Paik Woo-yeal, a political science and diplomacy professor at South Korea’s Yonsei University.
“Kim is reshaping his strategy of regime survival." Kim’s gambit could backfire. North Korean soldiers might fail on the battlefield or defect, causing him problems with Putin or back at home. Russia’s all-encompassing commitment could fade should fighting with Ukraine end.
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