Analysis, Foreign Affairs

Timeline of North Korea-Russia Cooperation Since 2022

May 19, 2025, by and

The war in Ukraine has precipitated a renewed relationship between Russia and North Korea. Driven by Russia’s need for ammunition for the war, and North Korea’s need for food, energy, and military technology, these burgeoning ties pose challenges for the U.S., and its allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. In Europe, North Korea’s assistance may allow Vladimir Putin to prevail in Ukraine when U.S. support is in question. In Asia, Russian military technology could advance North Korea’s military satellite, nuclear submarine, and ICBM programs.

CSIS Beyond Parallel created a timeline documenting major developments in the growing North Korea-Russia relationship since September 2022.


Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 
 
Andy Lim is Deputy Director and Fellow at Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 

Special thanks to Hyunseung Yu, Grace Chung, Seungmin Ryu and Yujin Son for their invaluable research assistance.

Photo credit: Sputnik/Vladimir Smirnov/Pool via REUTERS