"Support for North Korea's Nuclear Program Also Possible"
Over 3,700 Researchers Visited Russia in Q3
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), who visited Pyongyang last June, is giving a speech at a banquet held after a summit meeting with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News
Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, indicated that Russia has not yet clearly decided on the compensation for North Korea's troop deployment, drawing attention to the background of this issue. It is reported that North Korea is demanding technology transfers in addition to foreign currency earned from soldier allowances, raising concerns that Russia might support North Korea's nuclear program. North Korea may further develop its nuclear program as a bargaining chip for future nuclear negotiations with the U.S., especially ahead of the second term of the Donald Trump administration.
U.S. National Security Advisor: "North Korea May Receive Nuclear Program Technology Support"
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un observed the test launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Hwasong-19' on the 31st of last month together with his daughter Ju-ae. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 10th (local time), Sullivan appeared on CBS News' Face the Nation program and was asked what North Korea would receive from Russia in exchange for deploying troops. He said, "It is not yet certain what Russia will give North Korea in return for the deployment of North Korean troops," adding, "Honestly, even Russian President Vladimir Putin probably has not yet decided what to do for North Korea."
He continued, "Kim Jong-un expects to gain something meaningful from Russia in the form of military and technological support," and "There is a possibility that Russia will support North Korea's nuclear program. Russia has already stated that North Korea's nuclear program should be viewed differently than it was five or ten years ago." He emphasized, "Concerns about the relationship between Russia and North Korea can arise from both sides, and this is something all free world countries must pay close attention to."
It has been confirmed that North Korea deployed about 10,000 troops to Russia following the mutual defense treaty signed after President Putin's visit to North Korea in June, but the specific compensation has not been confirmed. Experts suggest that North Korea may receive military technology from Russia in addition to foreign currency.
On the 28th of last month, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Germany reported, "North Korea could receive advanced technology such as missile guidance systems, radar, and acoustic systems for nuclear submarines along with conventional weapons as compensation for troop deployment," and pointed out, "The mere expectation that Russia might transfer sensitive military technology to North Korea can unsettle South Korea and Japan, which works to Russia's advantage."
Over 3,700 North Koreans Visiting Russia for 'Research'... Has Technology Transfer Begun?
On the 6th, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui arrived in Pyongyang after an official visit to Russia and was greeted by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong-gyu and Alexander Matsegora, the Russian Ambassador to North Korea. Photo by Yonhap News.
The significant increase in North Koreans visiting Russia for research and academic purposes also raises the possibility of technology transfer. Various interpretations are emerging regarding the sudden influx of thousands of research personnel, separate from troop deployments.
According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), data released by the Russian Federal State Statistics Service on the 8th showed that among 5,263 North Korean nationals who visited Russia in the third quarter (July to September) of this year, 3,765 entered for research and academic purposes. Considering that only 365 North Koreans visited Russia in the third quarter of last year, the number of research-related visitors has increased significantly.
RFA cited sources analyzing that it is unclear whether all of these individuals are purely researchers, but the likelihood that they are workers or deployed soldiers is low. While some North Korean workers enter Russia for research and academic purposes, working under such visas subjects them to local police crackdowns. Moreover, since Russia and North Korea have already proceeded with troop deployments in violation of international law, there is no reason to deploy soldiers or workers under different visas.
The New York Times (NYT) also reported, "Given North Korea's support to Russia with artillery shells, missiles, and other weapons, personnel may have been dispatched for performance testing," adding, "These personnel could also be involved in technical support for Russia's nuclear and space sectors, as well as reconstruction projects in war zones."
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