Summary

North Korea is sending thousands of soldiers to support Russia in the Ukraine war, expecting compensation of $200 million annually. In return, Russia is providing North Korea with rice, advanced space technology, and potential military assistance in the event of a contingency on the Korean Peninsula.

Despite the the National Intelligence Service’s assessment that the costs outweigh the benefits, experts believe North Korea is securing a strategic advantage by aligning itself with Russia.

  • @solrize
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    2119 days ago

    nuke delivery stuff

    That’s what space tech means, I thought.

    • @[email protected]
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      319 days ago

      I doubt Russia would want that since NK is unstable and can easily point those weapons back at them at some point in the future.

      • @dlatch
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        1219 days ago

        Russian decisions over the past few years haven’t exactly shown much long-term strategic choices or forethought, so I doubt this is an argument for them

    • @someguy3
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      19 days ago

      Could be satellites for intelligence and all the tech that goes on it. Not the easiest stuff to develop or manufacture. If I’m Russia I would protect the family jewels (nuke and nuke delivery). If NK got rice out of the deal they’re probably not jumping straight to ICBM tech.

      • @solrize
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        319 days ago

        NK already has missile tech, just not clear whether it has real intercontinental range. The US and Russia did that in the 1950s though.

        • @someguy3
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          219 days ago

          I wonder if targeting is an issue. Range is easy, accurate targeting is not.

    • @[email protected]
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      119 days ago

      Their recent launches have been using field Russia more commonly uses, so they might be getting Russian engines.