North Korea and Russia Establish Military Alliance, Unveil ‘War Memorial’ in Pyongyang

April 19, Kathmandu – North Korea and Russia have taken a significant step toward formalizing their military relationship. Last Sunday, the ‘Memorial Museum of Combat Feats,’ built to honor North Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the Ukraine war, was inaugurated in Pyongyang. Earlier this week, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov proposed signing a new five-year ‘Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation Plan’ for 2027 to 2031 during his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This plan indicates continued arms supplies, military technology transfers, and joint military exercises between the two countries in the post-war period.
Analysts suggest that this proposal will transform the relationship between North Korea and Russia into a permanent ‘institutionalized military alliance.’ Speaking at the memorial inauguration, Kim Jong-un emphasized the need to strengthen the partnership against ‘fascism and hegemonic powers.’ He stated, ‘Regardless of the rules of war and wherever crises arise, we must stand together as an integrated force—a loyal, dedicated, and powerful security barrier.’