DPRK needs China's alignment on weapons supply to Russia - military expert Kovalenko

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"They (North Korea - ed.) have a fairly wide range of both ammunition and equipment that corresponds to the calibers and generally technically meets the standards used in the Russian army. In both the DPRK and the Russian Federation, the vast majority of the weapons nomenclature is Soviet types, archetypes and their modifications," Kovalenko said.

The military-political observer further noted that North Korea possesses ammunition, tanks, equipment, and artillery that could potentially be supplied to Russia. However, as of 2022 and the first half of 2023, Russia has not received these supplies.

"Even Shoigu's visit could not somehow change this situation, they have to speak at this level: Kim Jong-un and war criminal Putin. But another point is interesting. Even the level of such communication may not convince Kim Jong-un to start military-technical cooperation with Russia. Because Xi Jinping's opinion will be more important to him. Therefore, in this case, there is a third party that can influence these actions, and without this green light, the DPRK will not start supplying weapons to Russia without coordinating it with China," Kovalenko emphasized.

Cooperation between Russia and the DPRK: details

Earlier, White House spokesman John Kirby said that talks between Russia and the DPRK on military cooperation were "actively progressing."

In July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the DPRK and met, among other things, with his North Korean counterpart.

In early August, the White House accused Russia of trying to buy ammunition from the DPRK.

On August 18, media reported that US President Joe Biden is ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "without preconditions" to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

On August 31, the United States imposed sanctions on two Russian citizens over the development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles for the DPRK.

On September 4, the New York Times reported, citing US and allied officials, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to visit Russia in September and meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss military cooperation. 

On the evening of Friday, September 8, at a parade in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un met with a Chinese delegation before his trip to Russia next week.