A Threat Like No Other: The DPRK-Russia Axis

A timely expert analysis of major developments in Russia-North Korea relations

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has had a direct ripple in the Korean peninsula by renewing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The Korea Chair closely follows these new developments, tracks arms transfers between the two countries, and discusses the security implications of this renewed axis for South Korea, the United States, and Europe.

This project is made possible with general support from CSIS.

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North Korea Announces Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development

On March 8, Kim Jong-un reportedly visited unidentified shipyards where he was photographed with what North Korea called a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” If true, it would mark the country's first glimpse of its nuclear-powered sub.

Critical Questions by Victor Cha and Ellen Kim — March 10, 2025

The Impossible State

Crossing the Rubicon: North Korea Sends Troops to Russia

In this episode, Andrew Schwartz, Victor Cha, and distinguished guests discuss the Kremlin's motivations, the potential impacts on the battlefield in Ukraine, what North Korea is likely to receive in return, how Beijing may perceive this development, and more.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and H. Andrew Schwartz — November 1, 2024

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea
The Impossible State

The Spiral of Tensions: North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Duyeon Kim, and Mr. Sydney Seiler discuss recent developments regarding North Korea's sending troops to Russia, North Korea blows up inter-Korean roads near the border, North Korea's new constitution, and more.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Sydney Seiler — October 25, 2024

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea

Crossing the Rubicon: DPRK Sends Troops to Russia

The U.S. government's confirmation that North Korea is sending troops to Russia shows the DPRK has effectively crossed the Rubicon and that Kim Jong-un is "all in" in helping Putin win his unjust war in Ukraine.

Critical Questions by Victor Cha — October 23, 2024

The Impossible State

A Threat Like No Other - The Russia-North Korea Alliance

In this episode, Dr. Cha and distinguished speakers discuss the significance of the Putin-Kim summit, the strengthening Russia-North Korea alliance, the implications of this alliance for regional and global security and why the Russia-North Korea alliance is a threat like no other.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha, Maria Snegovaya, Jude Blanchette, and Sydney Seiler — July 1, 2024

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea