North Korea Mandates Russian Language in Schools Amid Growing Ties

North Korea has officially made Russian a compulsory foreign language for elementary school students, reflecting the deepening relationship between the isolated nation and Russia. According to Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, this policy will take effect from the fourth grade onwards. The announcement comes as both countries seek to strengthen their ties in the face of increasing isolation from the West.

Kozlov, who serves as the co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission between Moscow and Pyongyang, stated, “The Russian language has been introduced in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea schools as a compulsory language for study.” He noted that Russian is among the three most popular foreign languages in North Korea, with approximately 600 students currently enrolled in Russian language courses.

While details regarding the exact timeline for the implementation of this policy remain unclear, the move signifies a broader trend of cooperation between the two nations. Kozlov also mentioned that over 3,000 Russian schoolchildren are learning Korean, typically as a second or third foreign language. This educational exchange is part of a larger collaboration that includes training for bankers, power engineers, doctors, and geologists.

Growing Military and Political Alliances

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has intensified since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly dispatched more than 12,000 troops to support Russian forces on the front lines. In August, South Korean intelligence indicated that Pyongyang was planning to send an additional 30,000 troops to aid Russia’s military efforts, which suggests a significant military alliance between the two nations.

Moreover, estimates reveal that North Korea is supplying nearly half of Russia’s ammunition needs, further solidifying their partnership. Last year, during a visit to North Korea, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defense pact, marking what has been described as the strongest connection between the two countries since the Cold War era.

This evolving alliance highlights both nations’ efforts to counter Western influence and assert their own geopolitical interests. As North Korea increases its engagement with Russia, the international community watches closely for potential implications in the broader context of regional and global security.