How North Korea is using Belarus to deepen ties with Russia

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent trip to North Korea underscores Kim Jong Un’s efforts to solidify bonds with Russia’s influence zone. During the visit, the two leaders formalized a friendship agreement and Lukashenko announced the establishment of a North Korean embassy in Minsk. The summit, held in Pyongyang, reflects a strategic move to strengthen the North’s international standing and counter claims of isolation.

Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s authoritarian leader, has been actively building alliances with leaders who share his anti-Western stance. The Belarusian president’s two-day engagement with Kim included discussions on expanding collaboration in diplomacy, agriculture, and public health. According to state media, Kim emphasized support for Belarus’s political stability and economic progress, while Lukashenko highlighted the significance of their shared historical ties despite the countries’ distance.

“Although the two countries are geographically far apart, the bilateral relations based on the long-standing traditions of friendship and common feelings have entered a new development stage,” said Lukashenko, per KCNA reports.

The exchange of gifts symbolized the growing partnership: Lukashenko presented Kim with a VSK assault rifle, joking that it could be used “if enemies invade.” Kim responded by gifting a ceremonial cavalry sword, signaling mutual respect. Analysts note this collaboration could enhance military capabilities, with Belarus potentially gaining access to North Korea’s missile technology and drone expertise.

Andrei Lankov, a historian at Seoul’s Kookmin University, observed that the Minsk-Moscow-Pyongyang axis is gaining momentum. “Such events help these nations showcase their relevance and international prestige,” he explained. The alliance is part of Kim’s broader campaign to assert regional influence, leveraging his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Chun In-bum, a former South Korean military official, suggested that while no formal weapons deal was announced, Belarus may soon tap into North Korea’s advanced missile systems. “Everything seen in Pyongyang’s military parade is for sale,” he noted. This includes cutting-edge intercontinental ballistic missiles, which North Korea is rapidly developing alongside nuclear programs.

Recent diplomatic actions further cement the alliance. On Saturday, North Korea’s KCNA news agency inked a media pact with Russia’s TASS. A week later, Air China resumed flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-year gap, alongside cross-border train services. These moves highlight a coordinated effort to solidify ties with Russia-aligned nations.

To view the accompanying video, ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser. The footage shows Kim attending a test of a new missile engine, which experts link to advancements in MIRV technology. This development aligns with the regime’s goal of enhancing its military outreach, as Lukashenko’s presence at the parade likely underscored the potential for future arms deals.