Moscow and Pyongyang have pulled closer together since the invasion of Ukraine. But whether it will benefit North Korea is yet to be seen.

The more willing Moscow is to act against the global consensus against Pyongyang, the more important the alliance with Pyongyang will become.

Russia seems keen to gain access to North Korea’s natural resources in exchange for technical assistance. But whether it’s possible isn’t clear.

Both countries have been shunned by much of the world. Cooperating on industrial and military efforts shows they don’t care about a backlash.