Russia and North Korea's alliance, from arms deals to troops in Ukraine

Active · last development Sep 27, 2026: “Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine reveals transfer of North Korean POWs”

Russia and North Korea built a military partnership during the war in Ukraine: North Korea supplied Russia with shells and missiles, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin held summits in Russia in 2023 and in Pyongyang in 2024, and North Korea sent troops to support Russia's war.[1][2][3][4]

What this arc covers

The military partnership between Russia and North Korea that grew during the war in Ukraine: the US accusations from 2022 that North Korea was supplying artillery shells and rockets, the visits to Pyongyang by Russia's defense and foreign ministers, Kim Jong Un's September 2023 summit with Vladimir Putin in Russia's Far East, the shipments of munitions and missiles, Putin's gifts to Kim, Putin's June 2024 visit to Pyongyang and their partnership pact, Russia's veto shielding North Korea at the UN, the North Korean troops sent to fight for Russia and the soldiers Ukraine captured, and the first road link between the two countries.

Earliest story we hold Sep 6, 2022 · 65 stories · 241 independent sources (counted once each) · 1482 days

Part ofRussiaNorth KoreaUkraineKim Jong-unVladimir PutinSouth KoreaSeoulPyongyang

Background

In September 2022, a US official said Russia was buying millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea for use in Ukraine, which North Korea angrily denied,[5][6] and the White House later accused it of covertly supplying shells.[7] In July 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met Kim in Pyongyang and joined him at a parade of North Korea's newest missiles.[8][9] That September, Kim traveled to Russia's Far East for a summit with Putin, inspected Russian bombers and a warship, and, according to the headline on CNN's report, vowed full support for Russia's "just fight."[10][11]

The White House said in October 2023 that North Korea had sent Russia more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions,[12] and South Korea's intelligence service said it had exported more than 1 million shells.[2] Putin gave Kim a car in February 2024,[13] and in March Russia vetoed the renewal of a UN panel investigating North Korea's sanctions violations.[14] In June 2024, Putin visited North Korea for a summit with Kim, and South Korea summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the deal they reached.[3][15] North Korea later confirmed that it had sent troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine,[4] and in September 2026 the two countries opened their first road link across their shared border.[16]

Supporting stories (16)
  1. Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in Ukraine
  2. North Korea Has Likely Sent Missiles as Well as Ammunition and Shells to Russia, Seoul Says
  3. Before his summit with Kim, Putin vows they’ll beat sanctions together
  4. North Korea confirms it sent troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine
  5. U.S.: Russia to buy N. Korean rockets and artillery shells
  6. North Korea denies sending arms to Russia amid Ukraine war
  7. North Korea 'covertly' supplying artillery shells to Russia: W.House
  8. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russian defense minister on military cooperation
  9. Russian and Chinese delegates join North Korean leader Kim at a parade showing his newest missiles
  10. North Korea's Kim Vows Full Support for Russia’s 'Just Fight' After Viewing Launchpads with Putin
  11. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un inspects Russian bombers and a warship on a visit to Russia’s Far East
  12. U.S.: North Korea shipped arms to Russia for use in Ukraine
  13. Putin gifts car to Kim Jong Un in sign of ‘special personal relations,’ North Korean state media reports
  14. Russia protects North Korea in the UN with veto of resolution to investigate sanction violations
  15. South Korea summons Russian ambassador as tensions rise with North Korea
  16. Russia and North Korea open the first road link across shared border

Overview updated Oct 8, 2026

Where it standsnewest first · each bar runs left to right by leaning

Sep 27– 292026Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine reveals transfer of North Korean POWs16 articles · 15 independent sources
3 left, 3 center, 3 right
Sep 7– 82026Russia and North Korea open the first road link across shared border21 articles · 14 independent sources
3 left, 2 center, 4 right
Aug 112026Russia using North Korean missiles to strike Ukraine, Zelensky says8 articles · 8 independent sources
0 left, 4 center, 2 right

Key momentsthe most covered; every story is below

  1. Sep 6 – 7, 2022U.S.: Russia to buy N. Korean rockets and artillery shells45 articles · 38 independent sources
  2. Sep 4 – 6, 2023North Korea’s Kim Jong Un may meet with Putin in Russia this month, US official says77 articles · 47 independent sources
  3. Sep 11 – 14, 2023North Korea says Kim Jong Un has invited Putin to his country127 articles · 55 independent sources
    1. Sep 11, 2023North Korea's Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia before an expected meeting with Putin
    2. Sep 13, 2023No sign of North Korea's Kim as Russia visit continues and Seoul expresses concern over Putin meetings
  4. Sep 11 – 13, 2023North Korea's Kim Vows Full Support for Russia’s 'Just Fight' After Viewing Launchpads with Putin48 articles · 33 independent sources
  5. Jun 17 – 19, 2024Putin flies into North Korea with promise to back it against the US79 articles · 46 independent sources
    1. Jun 17, 2024Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un to meet in North Korea, Kremlin says
    2. Jun 19, 2024Pyongyang welcomes Putin with fanfare as Russian leader makes first visit in 24 years
  6. Jun 19 – 20, 2024Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War119 articles · 59 independent sources
  7. Oct 18 – 24, 2024US says evidence shows North Korea has troops in Russia, possibly for Ukraine war54 articles · 37 independent sources

Who covered it, over timeindependent sources per week, by side

Sep 2022Jun 2023Apr 2024Feb 2025Dec 2025Sep 2026

LeftCenterRight

Point at or tap a week to see its count by side.

Every week as a table
Week ofLeftCenterRightArticles
Sep 5, 2022714442
Sep 19, 202213317
Oct 31, 202293322
Nov 7, 20221117
Dec 19, 202212316
Mar 27, 202333312
Jul 24, 2023413351
Aug 28, 202343525
Sep 4, 202312177111
Sep 11, 2023175011292
Sep 18, 202335426
Oct 9, 202357327
Oct 16, 202315315
Oct 23, 202332110
Oct 30, 202335215
Jan 1, 2024711532
Jan 15, 202422121
Jan 22, 202404010
Feb 5, 202412010
Feb 19, 202446218
Mar 11, 20242015
Mar 18, 20243118
Mar 25, 2024011430
Jun 10, 202413111
Jun 17, 2024233417216
Jul 29, 20240409
Oct 7, 20240236
Oct 14, 20242419
Oct 21, 20241120859
Oct 28, 2024716559
Nov 4, 202426212
Nov 18, 202426214
Nov 25, 202415313
Dec 16, 20240206
Jan 6, 20250126
Jan 20, 202512112
Feb 24, 202534214
Apr 21, 20251001
Apr 28, 202546221
Jul 7, 202527219
Jul 20, 20262016
Aug 3, 20260213
Aug 10, 20260438
Sep 7, 202632417
Sep 28, 202633310

Stories before June 28, 2026 come from archived pages, so who covered them is limited to the outlets we recovered for that period.

22% left · 65% center · 13% right of 241 independent sources among the outlets we track, across 65 stories.

Every storyoldest first

  1. September 2022

    Sep 6– 7U.S.: Russia to buy N. Korean rockets and artillery shells45 articles · 38 independent sources
    7 left, 14 center, 4 right
  2. Sep 22North Korea denies sending arms to Russia amid Ukraine war18 articles · 17 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 3 right

  3. November 2022

    Nov 2North Korea 'covertly' supplying artillery shells to Russia: W.House24 articles · 23 independent sources
    9 left, 3 center, 3 right
  4. Nov 8N. Korea denies US claims it sent artillery shells to Russia7 articles · 7 independent sources
    1 left, 1 center, 1 right

  5. December 2022

    Dec 22– 23White House: Russia's Wagner received arms from North Korea16 articles · 11 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 3 right

  6. March 2023

    Mar 30– 31U.S. says Russia seeks arms-for-food deal with North Korea13 articles · 12 independent sources
    3 left, 3 center, 3 right

  7. July 2023

    Jul 26– 27North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russian defense minister on military cooperation27 articles · 20 independent sources
    1 left, 6 center, 2 right
  8. Jul 27North Korea’s Kim shows off banned missiles to Russian minister6 articles · 6 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 1 right
  9. Jul 28Russian and Chinese delegates join North Korean leader Kim at a parade showing his newest missiles12 articles · 11 independent sources
    3 left, 2 center, 1 right
  10. Jul 28Putin thanks North Korea for supporting Ukraine war as Pyongyang displays its nukes in parade8 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 0 right

  11. August 2023

    Aug 30– 31White House says Putin and Kim Jong Un traded letters as Russia looks for munitions from North Korea17 articles · 17 independent sources
    2 left, 1 center, 2 right
  12. Aug 30Russia-North Korea arms negotiations "actively advancing," White House says9 articles · 9 independent sources
    2 left, 2 center, 4 right

  13. September 2023

    Sep 4– 6US warns North Korea would 'pay a price' for any arms deal with Russia9 articles · 9 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 1 right
  14. Sep 4– 6North Korea’s Kim Jong Un may meet with Putin in Russia this month, US official says77 articles · 47 independent sources
    11 left, 12 center, 6 right
  15. Sep 6Kim Jong Un’s possible trip to Russia could be like his 2019 journey: 20 hours on his armored train14 articles · 12 independent sources
    2 left, 3 center, 3 right
  16. Sep 10Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in Ukraine17 articles · 12 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 1 right
  17. Sep 11– 14North Korea says Kim Jong Un has invited Putin to his country127 articles · 55 independent sources
    11 left, 27 center, 8 right
  18. Sep 11– 13North Korea's Kim Vows Full Support for Russia’s 'Just Fight' After Viewing Launchpads with Putin48 articles · 33 independent sources
    5 left, 12 center, 3 right
  19. Sep 11North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia, setting the stage for a meeting with Putin42 articles · 29 independent sources
    4 left, 11 center, 5 right
  20. Sep 13– 15North Korea’s Kim gets a close look at Russian fighter jets as his tour narrows its focus to weapons36 articles · 27 independent sources
    4 left, 11 center, 4 right
  21. Sep 16North Korea’s Kim Jong Un inspects Russian bombers and a warship on a visit to Russia’s Far East23 articles · 21 independent sources
    4 left, 4 center, 0 right
  22. Sep 16– 17North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gifted bulletproof vest and drones as he leaves Russia10 articles · 10 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 1 right
  23. Sep 16North Korean arms for Russia probably wouldn’t make a big difference in the Ukraine war, Milley says12 articles · 10 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 1 right
  24. Sep 17North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his way home after concluding a trip to Russia's Far East11 articles · 4 independent sources
    2 left, 1 center, 0 right
  25. Sep 17– 20North Korea says Kim Jong-un is back home from Russia, where he deepened ‘comradely’ ties with Putin32 articles · 23 independent sources
    4 left, 6 center, 4 right
  26. Sep 22North Korea's Kim Sets Forth Steps to Boost Russia Ties as US and Seoul Warn About Weapons Deals6 articles · 6 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 0 right

  27. October 2023

    Oct 13– 14U.S.: North Korea shipped arms to Russia for use in Ukraine29 articles · 24 independent sources
    5 left, 7 center, 3 right
  28. Oct 18– 19Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov arrives in North Korea, Russian state media say13 articles · 12 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 3 right
  29. Oct 19Russian foreign minister offers security talks with North Korea, China as he visits Pyongyang5 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 1 right

  31. November 2023

    Nov 1– 2North Korea Has Likely Sent Missiles as Well as Ammunition and Shells to Russia, Seoul Says17 articles · 17 independent sources
    3 left, 5 center, 2 right

  32. January 2024

    Jan 4– 5Russia used N. Korean missiles for Ukraine attacks: US36 articles · 28 independent sources
    7 left, 11 center, 5 right
  33. Jan 21– 22North Korea stresses alignment with Russia against US and says Putin could visit at an early date32 articles · 27 independent sources
    2 left, 5 center, 1 right

  34. February 2024

  36. March 2024

    Mar 16North Korea's Kim enjoys a Russian luxury limousine gifted by Putin as the two nations expand ties6 articles · 6 independent sources
    2 left, 0 center, 1 right
  37. Mar 18South Korean defense chief says North Korea has supplied 7,000 containers of munitions to Russia8 articles · 8 independent sources
    3 left, 1 center, 1 right
  38. Mar 28– 29Russia protects North Korea in the UN with veto of resolution to investigate sanction violations33 articles · 27 independent sources
    0 left, 11 center, 4 right

  39. June 2024

    Jun 12North Korea's Kim Hails Russia Ties as Putin Reportedly Plans a Visit11 articles · 11 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 1 right
  40. Jun 17– 18Before his summit with Kim, Putin vows they’ll beat sanctions together22 articles · 19 independent sources
    1 left, 4 center, 3 right
  41. Jun 17– 19Putin flies into North Korea with promise to back it against the US79 articles · 46 independent sources
    16 left, 14 center, 10 right
  42. Jun 19– 20Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War119 articles · 59 independent sources
    13 left, 22 center, 12 right
  43. Jun 21South Korea summons Russian ambassador as tensions rise with North Korea11 articles · 9 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 2 right

  44. August 2024

    Aug 1– 4Russia's Putin offers disaster aid to North Korea to help it cope with recent flooding damage9 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 0 right

  45. October 2024

    Oct 8– 9North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine: Seoul8 articles · 7 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 3 right
  46. Oct 18– 24US says evidence shows North Korea has troops in Russia, possibly for Ukraine war54 articles · 37 independent sources
    9 left, 18 center, 7 right
  47. Oct 22– 28US says North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to fight in Ukraine31 articles · 19 independent sources
    4 left, 9 center, 3 right
  48. Oct 28– 31About 8,000 North Korean soldiers at Ukraine border, says US30 articles · 17 independent sources
    3 left, 10 center, 2 right
  49. Oct 28– 29North Korea sends foreign minister to Russia as its troops train to fight in Ukraine7 articles · 6 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 2 right
  50. Oct 30– Nov 6Ukrainian troops have engaged with North Korean units in Russia for the first time, official says32 articles · 23 independent sources
    5 left, 12 center, 5 right

  51. November 2024

    Nov 20– 22Russia supplied air defense missiles to North Korea, South Korea says17 articles · 15 independent sources
    2 left, 6 center, 2 right
  52. Nov 29Russian defense minister visits North Korea for talks with military and political leaders5 articles · 5 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 2 right
  53. Nov 30North Korea’s Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine12 articles · 11 independent sources
    1 left, 3 center, 1 right

  54. December 2024

    Dec 19Researcher: North Korea can produce ballistic missiles for Russia to use against Ukraine in months8 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 0 right

  55. January 2025

    Jan 6Blinken warns Russia is close to sharing advanced satellite technology with North Korea6 articles · 6 independent sources
    0 left, 1 center, 2 right
  56. Jan 24North Korea prepares to send more troops to Russia after suffering casualties, South Korea says13 articles · 9 independent sources
    1 left, 2 center, 1 right

  57. February 2025

    Feb 27North Korea appears to have sent more troops to Russia to back its war against Ukraine, Seoul says15 articles · 15 independent sources
    3 left, 4 center, 2 right

  58. April 2025

    Apr 26– 28North Korea confirms it sent troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine23 articles · 16 independent sources
    4 left, 6 center, 2 right

  59. July 2025

    Jul 11– 13North Korea's Kim offers Russia full support on Ukraine in Lavrov talks14 articles · 12 independent sources
    2 left, 5 center, 1 right
  60. Jul 12Russia warns US, South Korea and Japan against forming security alliance targeting North Korea10 articles · 10 independent sources
    0 left, 2 center, 1 right

  61. July 2026

    Jul 20– 21Russian President Putin meets with North Korean foreign minister in latest high-level diplomacy6 articles · 6 independent sources
    2 left, 0 center, 1 right

  62. August 2026

    Aug 9– 11Zelenskyy says Russia could receive up to 50,000 North Korean troops8 articles · 7 independent sources
    0 left, 3 center, 1 right
  63. Aug 11Russia using North Korean missiles to strike Ukraine, Zelensky says8 articles · 8 independent sources
    0 left, 4 center, 2 right

  64. September 2026

    Sep 7– 8Russia and North Korea open the first road link across shared border21 articles · 14 independent sources
    3 left, 2 center, 4 right
  65. Sep 27– 29Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine reveals transfer of North Korean POWs16 articles · 15 independent sources
    3 left, 3 center, 3 right