North Korea–Ukraine relations

North Korea–Ukraine relations

North Korea	Ukraine

North Korea–Ukraine relations are the bilateral foreign relations between North Korea and Ukraine. Relations were suspended in July 2022 due to the country's recognition of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine.^[1]

History

Bilateral relations were established on January 9, 1992.^[2] The North Korean embassy in Moscow was also accredited to Ukraine. Ukraine was accredited to North Korea through the embassy in Beijing. In 1998, North Korea closed its embassy in Kyiv (as well as several other embassies) due to the country's severely reduced budget after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc.^[3]

Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian scientists and businessmen assisted North Korea's nuclear program by either working directly or supplying technology to the country.^[4]

Russo-Ukrainian war

In 2017, North Korea recognised Crimea as part of Russia.^[5][6] Due to this happening at a time where bilateral relations between North Korea and the United States were thawing, Ukraine did not respond strongly.^[7]

On July 13, 2022, Ukraine announced the severance of diplomatic relations with North Korea due to its recognition of the independence of the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.^[1][8] Prior to the severance of diplomatic relations, other political and economic relations had already been frozen due to the sanctions imposed against the East Asian country.^[9][10]

Trade

In 2020, Ukraine exported US$7,710 to North Korea. On the other hand, North Korea exported $55,500 to Ukraine, with its main exports being mostly polyacetals.^[11]

See also

AfricaAmericasAsiaEuropeOceaniaFormer statesMultilateral relations