Potential Russia-North Korea arms deal may impact global sanctions on Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions: Experts

Such technologies would include some of Russia’s space technology, nuclear submarine technology, as well as air defence systems.

“The Russians can obviously offer the North Koreans capabilities that would allow Pyongyang to close some technology shortfalls or gaps that currently exist and North Koreans cannot really proceed on, in exchange obviously for what the Russians may be wanting,” he said.

Assoc Prof Sussex said that should a deal come to fruition, it would effectively be “a coming out party” for North Korea, since Russia has been participating in the United Nations Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang for its nuclear testing.

“That would really set a dangerous precedent that other countries like China might be tempted to follow,” he said.

He noted that North Korea would also likely ask for “a hefty amount of cash” as it has the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations, with there being few other countries that Russia can source what they need, especially after China declined.

“Under the circumstances, Kim Jong Un might be tempted to to push his luck a little further and see what he can extract from Russia in terms of the ability to modernise the North Korean military,” said Assoc Prof Sussex.