It was just last week that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to "invariably support" Russia's ongoing "special military operation" in Ukraine, after he met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, during the Kremlin official's visit to the Hermit Kingdom.

Kim has remained a steadfast supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and called Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor a defensive response that was the result of NATO's eastward expansion. North Korea has provided material aid to Russia, supplying the country with stockpiles of artillery shells and more recently so-called “ city-smashing rocket launchers."

According to The Heritage Foundation, during just the past year, Pyongyang has provided more than eight million artillery shells, and dozens of short-range missiles, and this fall sent as many as 12,000 "volunteers" to help fight Russia's war.

It was in June that Putin and Kim signed a treaty that requires both nations to "provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked," The Associated Press reported, adding, "It's considered the two countries' biggest defense deal since the end of the Cold War."

Trouble Brewing?

Kim's support for Russia could be reaching a breaking point; at least if a report from the Telegram social messaging can be trusted. Social media is indeed filled with misinformation, with rumors all too often presented as fact. 

However, one Kremlin insider is purported to have said that Moscow shouldn't expect more aid.

"Despite assurances of eternal friendship and full support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, Kim Jong-un does not plan to increase the amount of aid provided shortly."

At issue is how Russia has used its North Korean volunteers, who have been seen as little more than cannon fodder to date.

"The leader of North Korea is also dissatisfied with how the North Korean military is used at the front and the large number of casualties among them," the source added.

While this may be misinformation, or perhaps even disinformation orchestrated by Kyiv or Seoul, there is likely a grain of truth in it. North Korea's resources are already stretched thin, and even in the short term, Pyongyang may expect something in return. Russia's ability to return the favor is somewhat limited.

Backing a Loser?

The other consideration is that North Korea may want to use any aid as an opportunity to show the world it is a true major power, and it won't be able to do so if it takes heavy losses on the battlefield. Should victory continue to elude the Kremlin, Kim may see that he is backing a loser.

Finally, North Korea's troops are far from being seen as any elite military force, there are already stories of some deserting. That has put the spotlight on Kim's soldiers but not likely what he hoped for.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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