North Korea earns $20 billion for supporting Russia’s war effort - media

The South Korean think tank KIDA reported the information, according to NK News.

According to the report, North Korea gained the most from sending ammunition and supplies, with estimated revenues of around $19.2 billion. The country also earned another $630 million from technology transfers and $280 million from labor force contributions.

The report noted that Pyongyang shipped around 21,000 containers of weapons and ammunition to Moscow by sea, including 122mm and 152mm artillery shells, Bulsae-4 anti-tank missiles, KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, and RPGs. Additional deliveries may have also been made by land and air.

As stated in the report, instead of receiving direct cash payments, a significant portion of North Korea’s compensation is likely being paid through barter deals or in-kind exchanges.

Russia is also reported to pay a monthly salary of about $2,000 along with a one-time bonus to 11,000 North Korean soldiers fighting as part of the Russian army. North Korea reportedly receives part of these payments first, before passing on the remainder to its soldiers.

• Over the past 20 months, North Korea has sent nearly 16,000 containers of ammunition to Russia, aiding its war against Ukraine.