Korea explains how DPRK will benefit for joining Russia in war against Ukraine – media
www.pravda.com.ua
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:55:13 +0200
South Korean intelligence reports that an agreement between North Korea and Russia includes an annual supply of 600700 tonnes of rice to North Korea, a salary of US2,000 for North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine, space technology, and provisions for Russian involvement in potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.
Source The Korea Herald, citing South Korean MP Wi Sunglac Details The Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank affiliated with South Koreas National Intelligence Service, stated on 1 November that North Koreas decision to send troops to Russia shortly before the US presidential election is likely based on the calculation that a win for Donald Trump could lead to a swift end to the war in Ukraine.
Korean MP Wi Sunglac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia, described North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine as not a bad deal at all for the regime.
As a member of the National Assembly intelligence committee, Wi was briefed on the North KoreaRussia agreement by the National Intelligence Service NIS.
He stated that the financial and food crises in North Korea are largely being alleviated by Russian compensation for its military support against 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 US2,000.
With around 10,000 North Korean troops expected to be deployed to Ukraine, this could generate over US200 million annually for Pyongyang, Wi reported.
In addition, approximately 4,000 North Korean workers are currently stationed in Russia, earning an average of US800 per month, as reported by NIS.
Wi explained that North Koreas annual grain production includes around 4 million tonnes of rice, barley, and wheat.
However, rice accounts for less than a third of this figure, with much of the crop actually comprising potatoes.
Quote The 4 million tonnes of grains that North Korea says it produces per year are actually about 1 million tonnes short of what it needs to feed the country.
If Russia is offering 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes of rice, that is enough to cover more than half of what North Korea would need to meet the years demand.
The diplomat also noted that Russia used to supply North Korea with 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of rice in a single shipment.
Now, with Russia purchasing artillery shells from North Korea, a significant portion of the food shortage is probably relieved through the arms trade, he noted.
South Korean intelligence informed the Assembly that Russia may also be providing North Korea with advanced space technology, as Pyongyang seeks to launch another military reconnaissance satellite.
However, perhaps the most advantageous part of the deal for North Korea is Russias potential involvement in combat on the Korean Peninsula in the event of unforeseen circumstances, NIS reported.
North Korea is on record as having fought for Russia.
If there ever is a war on the Korean Peninsula, North Korea can now expect Russia to come and help, Wi said.
Former President of the Institute for National Security Strategy, Nam Sungwook, told The Korea Herald that South Koreas intelligence think tank downplays the significance of North Koreas involvement in the Ukraine war in its recent reports.
Nam believes 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 gain leverage over Washington, the way Beijing had in the past, he said.
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