Commentary: The Russian relationship with North Korea opens the door to further nuclearisation

North Korea will almost certainly demand priceless military equipment and supplies in return for its guidance, though there is little disagreement over how much money Russia may give away.

It’s probably concerned about denying its best technologies, because it’s worried ( perhaps appropriately ) that North Korea will proliferate anything it receives. Russia’s several opponents and companies, including China, had probably been willing to pay North Korea for Russian technology, if only to know what the Russians have. &nbsp,

Russia is in a difficult situation, though. The Ukrainian conflict has raged on for two and a half centuries. The costs of the conflict and the resultant global economic isolation are causing its economy to suffer. It is now incredibly dependent on Chinese support and compassion, which is likely to be very demeaning for a nation with great power ambitions.

A partnership with North Korea gives Russia an solution, at least diplomatically, to an uncomfortable dependency on Beijing.

So, if the conflict continues, Russia’s eagerness to trade useful technologies for assistance will likely improve. For its underprivileged business, North Korea will undoubtedly get Soviet food and oils.

According to South Korea, North Korea has now received more than 9, 000 pots from Russia, generally containing food items. However, advanced nuclear and missile technology are almost undoubtedly what it wants most. &nbsp,

For then that appears to be working. However, there is no guarantee that for swaps will not be conducted secretly, and it would surely make sense for North Korea to bargain for what it truly wants using Russian fervor. &nbsp,

Therefore, even if China agrees to cleavage the sanctions against North Korea, Russia’s open ties with North Korea, as demonstrated by the trips made by the two frontrunners in June, effectively signal the end of sanctions and the development of Russian military high technology if Russia becomes determined enough.

Robert Kelly ( @Robert_E_Kelly ) is a professor of political science at Pusan National University.