Foreign aid has become an integral instrument of Russia’s policy towards North Korea
since the 2000s. Based on quantitative and qualitative data this study systematically
maps and discusses Russia’s aid disbursements to the dprk in 2000–2020. It is shown
that debt relief constituted the largest share and the significance of humanitarian assistance
had increased. Unlike in the Soviet period when ideological motives prevailed in
rendering foreign aid, the beginning of the 21st century saw a re-emerging of Russia’s
international assistance mainly driven by pragmatic political and economic considerations
without excessive obligations on both bilateral and multilateral levels. Although
recipient need was considered in aid allocation, volumes were too small to solve North
Korea’s food insecurity and malnutrition. This study contributes to a broader strategic
picture of Russia’s policy towards North Korea.