Russia reportedly to pay North Korean soldiers $2,000 per month to fight against Ukraine

Russia will pay North Korean soldiers about $2,000 per month to fight in the war against Ukraine, The Korea Herald reported on Monday. The outlet cited South Korean lawmaker Wi Sung-lac, who was briefed on the matter by the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

According to Wi, at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to the front, which means Russia is slated to pay over $200 million annually.

The lawmaker also said that Russia may send rice to North Korea, which is currently facing a shortage of the crop. He estimated that Moscow could start sending up to 600,000–700,000 metric tons of rice per year, compared to the 50,000–100,000 metric tons it’s sent in the past.

North Korea's role in the Ukraine War