Russia's ties with North Korea will grow stronger

Significance

Russian technology has advanced North Korea's satellite development. Russia is strengthening economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with North Korea, although UN sanctions are an impediment. The two countries are now more closely aligned than at any point since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Impacts

• Beijing will remain the most important partner to both Moscow and Pyongyang.
• Russia will tone down its support for Pyongyang if South Korea adopts a more neutral stance towards Moscow.
• Russia will continue selling energy and raw materials to South Korea and Japan.