South Korean intelligence reports that an agreement between North Korea and Russia provides for an annual supply of 600 to 700 tons of rice to North Korea, a salary of 2,000 US dollars for North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine, space technologies and provisions for Russian involvement in possible conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.

Source: The Korean Heraldquoting South Korean MP Wi Sung-lac

Details: The Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank affiliated with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, said on Nov. 1 that North Korea’s decision to send troops to Russia shortly before the presidential election America was likely based on the calculation that a Donald Trump victory could lead to a rapid end to the war in Ukraine.

Korean MP Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia, called North Korea’s involvement in the war against Ukraine “not a bad deal at all” for the regime. As a member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, Wi was briefed on the North Korea-Russia deal by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

He said North Korea’s financial and food crises are largely alleviated by Russian compensation for its military support of Ukraine.

Last week, the NIS informed the Assembly that each North Korean soldier sent to fight alongside Russia would receive a monthly salary of approximately US$2,000. With around 10,000 North Korean troops expected to be deployed to Ukraine, this could generate more than $200 million a year for Pyongyang, Wi reported.

Additionally, approximately 4,000 North Korean workers are currently stationed in Russia, earning an average of $800 per month, as reported by the NIS.

Wi explained that North Korea’s annual grain production includes about 4 million tons of rice, barley and wheat. However, rice makes up less than a third of this figure, with most of the crop actually being potatoes.

Quote: “The 4 million tons of grain that North Korea claims to produce each year is actually about 1 million tons short of what it needs to feed the country. If Russia offers 600,000 to 700,000 tons of rice, this is enough to cover more than half of what North Korea would need to meet the year’s demand.

The diplomat also noted that Russia once supplied North Korea with between 50,000 and 100,000 tonnes of rice in a single delivery. Now, with Russia purchasing artillery shells from North Korea, a significant portion of the food shortage is “probably alleviated through the arms trade,” he noted.

South Korean intelligence informed the Assembly that Russia could also provide North Korea with advanced space technology, as Pyongyang seeks to launch another military reconnaissance satellite.

However, perhaps the most beneficial aspect of the deal for North Korea is Russia’s potential participation in fighting on the Korean Peninsula in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the NIS reported.

“North Korea is known for fighting alongside Russia. If a war ever breaks out on the Korean peninsula, North Korea can now expect Russia to come and help,” Wi said. .

Former Institute for National Security Strategy President Nam Sung-wook told the Korea Herald that the South Korean intelligence think tank “downplays” the significance of South Korea’s involvement. North in the war in Ukraine in its recent reports.

Nam believes that North Korea “will remain useful to Russia as a bargaining chip” in negotiations with the next US administration.

“Moscow will use its close ties with Pyongyang to exert influence over Washington, as Beijing has done in the past,” he said.

Support UP or become our boss!