Executive Summary

North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia signifies a critical shift in international military alliances, posing threats to regional and global security. Approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are now in Kursk, supporting Russian defence efforts. We assess that this collaboration has heightened anxieties over potential nuclear technology transfers from Russia to North Korea, potentially enhancing Pyongyang’s military capabilities and altering regional power dynamics. In response, South Korea is considering revising its Foreign Trade Act to supply arms to Ukraine and has heightened military readiness, reflecting increased regional tensions and a proactive stance. The alignment between Russia and North Korea not only threatens the Korean Peninsula’s stability but also impacts the broader Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security landscape, creating new challenges for international diplomacy. These developments highlight the necessity of immediate and coordinated international efforts to manage escalating tensions and mitigate the risks of further destabilisation in this volatile geopolitical environment.