The United States has issued a warning that North Korea is benefiting from its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Specifically, by sending troops to fight for Russia, North Korea is gaining military experience and strengthening its capabilities. This, in turn, could make North Korea more capable of attacking its neighbors.

12,000 North Korean Troops in Russia

Dorothy Camille Shea, the Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN, raised this issue during a meeting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). She pointed out that over 12,000 North Korean soldiers were in Russia last month, actively participating in the fight against Ukraine. Consequently, this involvement is increasing North Korea’s military presence and influence.

North Korea Gains Military Power

Shea emphasized that North Korea is receiving crucial military equipment, technology, and battlefield experience from Russia. As a result, North Korea is becoming more capable of waging war. “North Korea is significantly benefiting from receiving Russian military equipment, technology and experience, rendering it more capable of waging war against its neighbours,” Shea stated in her remarks to the council.

Missile Tests and Global Arms Sales

In addition, the UNSC meeting addressed North Korea’s recent missile tests. North Korea recently tested a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile. Shea warned that, as a result, North Korea could use its improved military technology to expand its arms sales and offer military training contracts globally.

North Korea Defends Its Actions

On the other hand, North Korea’s Ambassador to the UN, Kim Song, defended the missile tests. He argued that the tests were part of efforts to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. Furthermore, Kim criticized the U.S. for what he considered a double standard. He pointed to the U.S. support for Israel in Gaza while condemning North Korea’s legitimate right to self-defense.

Russia Rejects U.S. Claims

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, rejected the U.S. accusations. He dismissed claims that Russia planned to share satellite and space technology with North Korea. Nebenzia described these allegations as “wholly unsubstantiated.” Additionally, he took the opportunity to congratulate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his birthday.

Tighter Russia-North Korea Ties

Since the Ukraine war began, Russia and North Korea have been strengthening their diplomatic and military ties. In the same meeting, South Korea’s UN Ambassador, Joonkook Hwang, criticized North Korea’s involvement. He claimed that North Korean soldiers are being used by Kim Jong-un to raise funds for his regime and secure advanced military technology from Russia.

UN Sanctions and Russia’s Veto Power

It is also important to note that North Korea has faced severe UN sanctions since 2006. These sanctions prohibit the country from conducting nuclear tests and developing ballistic missiles. However, because Russia holds veto power in the UN Security Council, any further action is unlikely at this time.