In the summer of 2024, Russia fell into the Ukrainian battlefield, with a shortage of troops, poor supplies, and high pressure. When the outside world thought that no one could help Moscow, North Korea stood up.
This decision was initially regarded by the outside world as a "desperate move". After all, North Korea itself is not rich, and sending troops is not something that anyone can easily do. However, I didn't expect that this move would actually allow North Korea to pick up a lot of "unexpected dividends."
At the time, North Korea and Russia had just signed a strategic treaty, which meant, “You have things I help you, I have things you have to take care of me.”
This time Russia has something to do, and North Korea has fulfilled its promise, sending engineers and combat forces.No matter what the outside world talks, Kim Jong-un has indeed come out of a new situation.
North Korea's domestic economy, army and diplomacy, which have not moved for several years, have undergone a lot of changes in this year.
The oil and grain problems are relieved, and the economy is finally less tight
North Korea has a long-term shortage of oil and food, which is almost everybody knows.Not to mention the development of the economy, even the daily life of the people is limited to death.
Although North Korea and Russia said nothing in the mouth, from the border movement, the logistics between the two countries increased significantly.
Oil came in, and many factories and projects in North Korea that had been suspended because of lack of fuel were also back into operation. In the past, the scenes of power shortages and traffic paralysis every winter are less serious this time.
Looking back at the food prices, they are not rising as they were before.The prices have stabilized, and the people's days are not easy, but at least not down.This change has been a great improvement for North Korea.
More importantly, the way North Korea and Russia trade is different from before. Don't expect any dollar accounts anymore, they start settling in local currency or exchanging goods directly.
Although this method is not so modern, the actual effect is very good. It circumvents many financial restrictions and makes North Korea more active in trade.
The army did not go away and learned the real thing.
The North Korean army has always belonged to the "many but old" type. Old-fashioned equipment, warfare, training methods are also more traditional. But this time to Russia, they are really on the modern battlefield. Not exercises, but real battles.
In that environment, North Korean soldiers were exposed to many new tactics that they had never seen before, such as drone harassment, electronic jamming, and long-range strikes, which were all new topics for them.
They have to learn how to deal with these new situations, how to protect themselves and how to cooperate in actual combat. Such an experience can't be learned in domestic training.
Moreover, Russia did not hide it and gave some technical support. Although it does not involve core secrets, Korean soldiers can directly see and learn some things that are repaired, modified and operated. This is a rare opportunity for North Korea.
This appearance even changed the Korean army's operational thinking. Previously, the defense was primarily focused on defending the country. This time they were actively offensive, remote support, this shift changed the idea of the army.
It is no longer just to "guard", but to know how to "fight", to have the ability to fight co-operative warfare.This change of mindset has a great impact on the future development direction of the entire army.
Diplomatic transformation is no longer a marginal role
In the past, North Korea was basically an isolated island in the international community. No one was willing to care about it and no one dared to approach it. But after sending troops to Russia this time, the situation changed.
First of all, Russia’s attitude has become evident, not only speaking for North Korea at the United Nations, but also helping North Korea with pressure at many international occasions, a feeling that hasn’t been seen in decades for a country that has long been sanctioned and excluded.
Secondly, other countries have also started to re-examine North Korea. In the past, North Korea’s love was overwhelmed, and now it has been found to be of practical use. Especially those countries that do not have very good relations with the West, have begun to think that North Korea’s “team that can go to war” may be useful and there are more opportunities for cooperation and exchange.
This also brings a bigger change: North Korea has more place in the game of great powers.In the past, the United States and South Korea only regarded North Korea as a "problem", but now have to take it seriously.
Because North Korea is no longer isolated, there is Russia behind it. Especially now that the global situation is changing frequently, this "binding" relationship gives North Korea more say and makes it more confident at the negotiating table.
There are more opportunities, but there are also risks.
Although it looks good now, this road is not without cost. Many of North Korea's benefits now are based on its dependence on Russia. But once the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends or Russia's policies change, it is hard to say whether North Korea can continue to obtain these resources.
Secondly, the domestic response is not easy to predict. Sending troops to war is not a small matter. Soldiers 'casualties, family comfort, and public opinion guidance are all issues to be dealt with. North Korea has always kept this information very tight, but over time, news will always come out. How to stabilize people's hearts will be a big test.
There is also one thing that cannot be ignored: the international community will not sit down and wait.North Korea's activity this time may lead to more sanctions and blockades, especially U.S. and Japan's South Korea, has begun to study new countermeasures, trying ways to pressure North Korea again.
This game has just begun, and the road ahead will probably be even more difficult.
conclusion
Looking back, Kim Jong-un initially ordered to go to Russia, and many people felt that he was taking risks. But now, this game has produced tangible results. The North Korean economy has a chance to breathe, the military has been trained in real warfare, and diplomacy has also gone from the edge to the table.
Of course, none of this is free. The price North Korea will have to pay may slowly emerge in the future. But at least for now, Kim Jong Un has won the first round. He had to be clearer and more cautious about how to move next. Because this big game of chess has just begun.