But as Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang proves, the secluded state's behaviour is being increasingly influenced by its security and economic ties with Russia.
How does Russia help North Korea?
China is not the only regional power to have allegedly helped North Korea skirt UN sanctions and prevent its economy from collapsing. Last month, the US claimed Russia had been shipping refined petroleum to North Korea in quantities that reportedly exceed the limit imposed by the UN security council. John Kirby, the White House's national security spokesperson, said the proximity of the two countries' commercial ports meant the provision of oil could continue indefinitely. Border closures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically reduced North Korea's ability to trade and inflicted further damage on its fragile economy. Kim is believed to have secured supplies of food, as well as energy, from Russia, to address shortages, and was expected to do the same when he met Putin last week.
In 2022, Russia and North Korea restarted train travel for the first time since railway journeys were cut after the emergence of Covid.
Among the cargo on the first journey were 30 thoroughbred horses.
What can North Korea offer Russia?
Denne historien er fra June 28, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian Weekly.
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