North Korea Earns Up to $14 Billion from War: Thousands of Soldiers Fighting for Russia.

Latest on North Korea and Russia in the War Against Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: North Korea has generated massive revenue by exporting weapons to Russia and taking part in the war against Ukraine, with estimated earnings reaching billions of dollars. Analysts calculate that the country made between $7.67 billion and $14.4 billion from supplying arms to Russia. Since October 2024, Pyongyang has dispatched its troops to Russia on four separate occasions, raising the total number of North Korean soldiers deployed there to over 20,000.

Direct income from sending these forces to Russia is estimated at $620 million. Experts project that North Korea will earn roughly $560 million each year from its soldiers engaged in combat operations. However, reports indicate that six thousand North Korean troops have been killed or wounded while fighting on Russia's side. As of early 2026, North Korean soldiers remain stationed in the Kursk region.

Shifts in Logistics and Bilateral Cooperation

In January 2026, Russia significantly reduced the number of ships it sent to North Korean ports, suggesting possible changes in logistics between the two countries. These figures highlight the critical role of North Korea-Russia collaboration in the context of the war against Ukraine, while also revealing the economic benefits Pyongyang gains from its involvement.

This situation underscores North Korea's heavy reliance on foreign military contracts and the opportunities the war in Ukraine has created for its economy. The deployment of North Korean forces to the conflict also reflects a deepening of military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, which could have serious implications for regional security. The decline in Russian ship traffic to North Korean ports points to potential shifts in the strategic plans of both nations, warranting closer observation moving forward.