North Korea–Ukraine relations
North Korea–Ukraine relations have been complicated and volatile. Diplomatic ties were first established on January 9, 1992, and there were growing trade and technical links before the two countries’ direct involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. North Korea’s embassy in Moscow was accredited to Ukraine, while Ukraine was represented in North Korea through its embassy in Beijing. In 1998, North Korea closed its Kyiv embassy due to budget cuts.
Before the 2022 crisis, Ukrainian scientists and businesspeople helped North Korea’s nuclear program by working with or supplying technology. In 2017, North Korea recognized Crimea as part of Russia, and Ukraine did not respond strongly at that time.
On July 13, 2022, Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with North Korea after Pyongyang recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Sanctions on North Korea had already frozen many bilateral ties.
Starting in late 2024, there were claims that North Korean soldiers were being trained in Russia, with reports of thousands possibly being deployed to support Russia in the war. U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean sources discussed these efforts, and NATO acknowledged North Korean troops near Ukraine’s border. Ukrainian officials spoke of potential direct engagement if confirmed. In February 2025, Vladimir Putin met with a senior North Korean official to discuss their strategic partnership. Some reports suggested North Korean forces could be deployed in Ukraine, but Western intelligence has not confirmed troops inside Ukraine itself. North Korea’s close alignment with Russia has pushed Ukraine to seek stronger ties with allies like Japan and South Korea.
Trade in 2020 showed modest activity: Ukraine exported about $7,700 to North Korea, while North Korea exported about $55,500 to Ukraine, mainly polyacetals.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:32 (CET).