North Korea reportedly earned up to $13.8B from Russia for arms and troops in Ukraine war
South Korean intelligence, cited by Nikkei Asia, says Russia has paid North Korea up to about $13.8 billion through 2025 for weapons and thousands of North Korean troops aiding its war in Ukraine, including KN-23 missiles and 152-mm artillery rounds. Reports estimate roughly 10,000 NK soldiers and 10,000 engineers on the ground with plans to send as many as 30,000 more, and Seoul notes that earlier transfers valued at over $20 billion were for weapons technology rather than cash. North Korea is also reportedly assisting Russia with drones and submarines, and Pyongyang marked the fighting by inaugurating a museum for fallen soldiers.