War in Ukraine Brings Billions to North Korea

North Korea is experiencing an economic boost that analysts say has been significantly accelerated by the war in Ukraine.

According to Bild, Kim Jong-un’s regime has earned billions of dollars by supplying ammunition to Russia, while additional revenue has come from the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers to support Moscow’s war effort.

The effects are most visible in the capital, Pyongyang, where new residential districts are being built, luxury restaurants are opening, electric vehicles are becoming more common and digital services such as mobile payments are expanding.

South Korea’s central bank estimates that North Korea’s economy grew in 2024 at its fastest pace in eight years, despite the country’s long-standing international isolation and sanctions.

Analysts attribute much of that growth to deepening military and economic cooperation with Russia.

The benefits, however, are not being felt equally across the country. The United Nations estimates that nearly half of North Korea’s population remains undernourished.

(mja)