North Korea acknowledges its military support of Russia in Ukraine for the first time

Footage that emerged in October 2024 shows North Korean soldiers receiving uniforms and equipment at a training facility in Russia's Far East. This supports reports from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) that about 1,500 soldiers have been sent to Russia to undergo military training for deployment in Ukraine.

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Belarus -

Belarus is often described as Russia's closest ally and has been characterized as a "puppet state." Under President Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has entered numerous treaties with Russia, relying heavily on Russian economic support, including energy subsidies and military aid.

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Belarus -

Russian troops are frequently stationed in Belarus, which served as a staging ground for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Belarus -

The close ties extend to the military, with Belarus allowing the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on its territory, further integrating the two nations' defense strategies.

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Iran -

Russia and Iran, both under heavy international sanctions, have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years.

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Iran -

Following the Ukraine invasion, military cooperation surged, with Iran providing crucial drones and ammunition for Russia's efforts. This collaboration reflects their mutual interest in countering US influence in the Middle East.

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Serbia -

Serbia maintains a strong alliance with Russia, rooted in historical and political ties. This partnership is characterized by mutual support on international issues, such as opposing Kosovo's independence, aligning with Serbia's stance.

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Serbia -

Economically, Serbia benefits from Russian energy supplies and investments, especially in the oil and gas sectors.

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India -

India is Russia's oldest ally, with ties dating back to the Soviet era. In 1971, they signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, solidifying their diplomatic and strategic relationship despite India's non-alignment stance.

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India -

Since the invasion of Ukraine, India has shielded Russia at the UN by abstaining from votes against Moscow. The country has also increased imports of Russian oil.

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Armenia -

Armenia has a longstanding military alliance with Russia, which is crucial for its national security, particularly in the context of its conflicts with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

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Armenia -

Russia provides military support and arms to Armenia and has a military base in the country. The Armenian government often looks to Moscow for assistance during periods of heightened tension.

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Vietnam -

In recent years, Vietnam has strengthened its ties with Russia, particularly through a strategic defense agreement aimed at enhancing military cooperation. The two countries have collaborated on various economic initiatives, focusing on trade and defense technology.

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Vietnam -

Vietnam has maintained a cautious stance on the Ukraine conflict, avoiding public condemnation of Russia. During President Putin's visit, Vietnamese leaders praised his political stability and committed to deepening their strategic partnership, positioning Russia as a key ally amid rising US influence.

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Venezuela -

Venezuela stands as one of Russia's most significant allies in Latin America, with strong military and economic ties under President Nicolás Maduro's regime. Russia has provided critical support during Venezuela's ongoing political crisis, including backing for Maduro's government in international forums.

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Venezuela -

The two countries collaborate on oil production and energy projects, reinforcing economic partnerships amidst US sanctions.

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Collective Security Treaty Organization -

In 1992, Russia and eight other former Soviet republics established the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as a successor to the Warsaw Pact, which had been disbanded a year earlier.

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The power of the CSTO -

The Warsaw Pact was the Soviet Union's response to NATO, uniting Communist nations under Moscow's influence. While the CSTO lacks the Warsaw Pact's strength, it has effectively limited NATO's expansion and enables Russia to deploy troops and export weapons to member states.

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CSTO members -

Over the years, the CSTO has seen a reduction in its membership. Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan have all left the organization since its inception. The current members, alongside Russia, include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Sources: (CNN) (Euronews) (Deutsche Welle)

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China -

As Russia's primary trade partner, China announced a "no limits" partnership with Moscow shortly before the invasion of Ukraine.

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China -

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China -

High-profile visits between leaders, including Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, have further solidified this strategic alliance.

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Syria -

Syria became a key ally for Russia in the Middle East under the lengthy rule of former President al-Assad, who relied heavily on Russian military support during the civil war.

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Syria -

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Cuba -

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Cuba -

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North Korea -

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has established a robust military alliance with Russia, highlighted by a defense partnership that encompasses mutual defense commitments.

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North Korea -

Isolated from the global community, North Korea has consistently supported Russia, voting against UN resolutions that condemn its actions in Ukraine and even sending troops into the battlefield.

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North Korea -

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Belarus -

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Belarus -

Russian troops are frequently stationed in Belarus, which served as a staging ground for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Belarus -

The close ties extend to the military, with Belarus allowing the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on its territory, further integrating the two nations' defense strategies.

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Iran -

Russia and Iran, both under heavy international sanctions, have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years.

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Iran -

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Serbia -

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Serbia -

Economically, Serbia benefits from Russian energy supplies and investments, especially in the oil and gas sectors.

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India -

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India -

Since the invasion of Ukraine, India has shielded Russia at the UN by abstaining from votes against Moscow. The country has also increased imports of Russian oil.

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Armenia -

Armenia has a longstanding military alliance with Russia, which is crucial for its national security, particularly in the context of its conflicts with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

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Armenia -

Russia provides military support and arms to Armenia and has a military base in the country. The Armenian government often looks to Moscow for assistance during periods of heightened tension.

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Vietnam -

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Vietnam -

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Venezuela -

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Venezuela -

The two countries collaborate on oil production and energy projects, reinforcing economic partnerships amidst US sanctions.

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Collective Security Treaty Organization -

In 1992, Russia and eight other former Soviet republics established the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as a successor to the Warsaw Pact, which had been disbanded a year earlier.

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The power of the CSTO -

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CSTO members -

Sources: (CNN) (Euronews) (Deutsche Welle)

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North Korea acknowledges its military support of Russia in Ukraine for the first time

Putin praises North Korean soldiers for their "heroism"

28/04/25 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Geopolitics

For the first time, North Korea has officially confirmed that it sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. The announcement, made on April 28, came after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude for the support of North Korean forces, particularly in the Kursk region, which had been recaptured by Ukrainian forces in a surprise offensive in August 2024.

Putin praised North Korean soldiers for their "heroism and dedication," noting that they fought "shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters" and defended "Russia's motherland as their own."

Reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia had circulated since last fall. US, South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence had previously indicated that North Korea deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers to Russia, marking the nation's most significant military contribution since the Korean War.

As Russia navigates an increasingly isolated position on the global stage since its invasion of Ukraine, its alliances play a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy and military strategy. From Belarus to China and North Korea, these partnerships are driven by shared interests, economic ties, and political support, particularly in response to Western sanctions. Understanding these relationships is essential for grasping the complexities of contemporary international relations involving Russia.

Click on to learn more about Russia's allies.