Satellite data shows that the glow of North Korea at night has intensified ever since 2022.
According to Ukrainian publication Texty the economic conditions of North Korea have improved significantly between 2022-2024, coinciding Pyongyang‘s backing of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. The VIIRS satellite’s nighttime lighting analysis is compelling evidence that this improvement has occurred.
This new glow, which is particularly visible around key military bases, directly correlates to Pyongyang’s growing role as Russia’s weapon supplier in its war with Ukraine.
Nighttime illumination is an important global economic indicator. It correlates with urbanization and economic activity as well as infrastructure development. North Korea, which has traditionally been a dark spot in the world map compared to South Korea, has seen a dramatic increase in nighttime illumination in recent years.
The 2024 satellite images reveal new illumination patterns (compared with March 2022), especially around Chongjin Port. This location is often cited in investigations into weapons shipments to Russia.
During this time, much of Ukraine was in darkness. Satellite imagery from March of 2024 shows that nightlight levels are significantly lower than in March 2021.
Timeline of North Korean support for Russia
* First reports of North Korean artillery being supplied to Russia in September 2022 (New York Times citing US intelligence).
* US officials confirm the delivery of weapons in October 2023, citing more than 1,000 military containers
* Early 2024: US confirms North Korean missile supply to Russia
* October 2024 – South Korean intelligence reports that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers are training in Russia to be deployed on the frontline.
The motivation of Russia is strategic. North Korean weapons can help to offset domestic production shortages while Korean military personnel may help Putin avoid a general mobilization of Russian forces.
According to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budayn, this partnership involves North Korea receiving a financial compensation and nuclear technologies as part of confidential agreements in a mutual assistance pact that Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed in Pyongyang on June 2024.
South Korea has responded by indicating that it may consider providing weapons to Ukraine.
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