South Korean intelligence suggests that Russia has been providing assistance to North Korea in the development and launch of its latest spy satellite. The South Korean Unification Ministry addressed this suspected collaboration, stating that North Korea is likely to proceed with the launch in the coming months. North Korea has previously attempted satellite launches in May and August, but both ended in failure due to technical issues.

South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho expressed that it is challenging to predict when North Korea will make its third launch attempt, but there are indications of technical assistance from Russia. He believes that once North Korea resolves technical problems, there is a high possibility of provocations.

In recent months, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have strengthened their diplomatic ties. They have had face-to-face meetings, collaborating on military technology and expanding trade to bolster regional power, alongside China.

North Korea’s adversaries, including South Korea, the United States, and Japan, strongly condemned allegations of North Korea supplying munitions and military equipment to Russia. They argue that such weapon shipments have intensified the human toll of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Any weapons trade with North Korea would violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which Russia, as a permanent member, has endorsed.

Both Russia and North Korea have denied these allegations, dismissing them as geopolitical interests aimed at undermining their relations. However, South Korean intelligence continues to monitor the situation closely.

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