Bloomberg: Kim Jong-un’s income has almost quadrupled since the start of the war in Ukraine

After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s income has increased dramatically. According to Bloomberg Economics, in 2022–2025, the DPRK regime received about $22 billion in foreign currency, which is almost four times the income in the previous four years after international sanctions were tightened.

According to Andrey Lankov, director of the Korea Risk Group consulting company, the sale of weapons to Russia has become a kind of “lottery win” for Pyongyang, and the restoration of support from China has provided the country with additional economic stability.

Russia has become the main source of income

The turning point was 2022, when Russia asked the DPRK to supply Soviet-style artillery ammunition.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, by the end of 2025, North Korea provided up to 50% of Russia’s needs for 122-mm and 152-mm artillery ammunition.

In addition to weapons, Pyongyang has also sent 16,000 to 22,000 troops to Russia. According to Bloomberg, the DPRK received about $2,000 per month for each soldier.

South Korean lawmaker Kang Dae-sik noted that military cooperation with Russia has become one of the key sources of support for the North Korean economy.

The funds received are directed to the development of weapons

According to Bloomberg, a significant part of the additional income is invested by the Kim Jong-un regime in the development of the military-industrial complex and nuclear program.

Over the past two years, the DPRK has presented two of the largest destroyers in its history with a displacement of 5,000 tons. At least one of them, according to the publication, is equipped with the Russian Pantsir-M air defense system.

The country also continues to improve its own ballistic missiles, which could potentially open up new markets for arms exports.

North Korea’s economy is growing

The Bank of Korea predicts that North Korea’s economy will grow by 3.5% in 2025. This would be the third consecutive year of economic growth after a long period of sanctions and international isolation.

At the same time, Pyongyang is stepping up diplomatic contacts with other countries. In the past year, high-ranking officials from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Belarus have visited the DPRK, indicating the regime’s attempts to diversify its foreign policy ties and reduce its dependence on Russia.