North Korean Military Art Showcases Growing Russia-Pyongyang Alliance in Moscow Exhibition

Powerful depictions of North Korean and Russian soldiers standing united against a perceived hostile West are the centerpiece of a Moscow exhibition celebrating the growing alliance between these two nations.

Moscow's Museum of Decorative Arts features grand artistic tributes created by North Korean artists showcasing the strengthening partnership forged amid the conflict in Ukraine.

The two nations have significantly enhanced their political, military, economic, and cultural connections during Russia's Ukraine campaign, portraying themselves as fraternal allies.

For months, both Moscow and Pyongyang denied Western reports claiming thousands of North Korean soldiers had been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to counter Ukrainian forces.

However, when Russia announced in April that it had successfully driven out Ukrainian troops from its territory, President Putin publicly acknowledged the "heroic" contribution of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces.

Now, artistic interpretations of these military collaborations are prominently featured in the exhibition.

One striking canvas titled "For a Brother-in-Arms" shows North Korean soldiers gripping machine guns with apparent enthusiasm for battle.

Another artwork displays camouflaged fighters from both nations proudly waving their respective flags in remarkably realistic poses. Additional pieces depict missile launches and fighter jets engaged in combat operations.

'Making Kimchi'

The growing relationship extends beyond military cooperation.

Portraits of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un occupy positions of honor within the exhibition, alongside artistic tributes to kimchi, Korea's signature spicy fermented cabbage dish.

Putin and Kim have demonstrated their strengthening relationship, most recently appearing together at a grand military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion—both as honored guests of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Direct flights connecting Moscow and Pyongyang commenced this summer, facilitating increased travel of officials and delegations between the capitals, with Russian tourists now visiting North Korea's new Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort.

In Moscow, a North Korean restaurant serving traditional cold noodles and other specialties regularly draws large crowds.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are guided to view a prominent photograph showing Kim and Putin shaking hands.

A panoramic depiction of the North Korean capital, titled "Pyongyang at Night," is also featured prominently, showing the city aglow with lights.

The artistic style strongly evokes socialist realism—once the Soviet Union's dominant art form—with straightforward titles that literally describe the content, devoid of metaphor or nuance.

"Making kimchi" presents exactly what the title suggests—multiple generations of a North Korean family gathered on the floor preparing the traditional fermented spicy cabbage and radish dish.

North Korea remains one of the world's most isolated nations, frequently criticized by human rights organizations for its repressive policies and prohibition of dissent.

The United Nations recently stated that the past decade in the country has been characterized by "increased suffering, repression and fear."

Last year, Moscow and Pyongyang formalized a comprehensive partnership agreement that includes mutual defense provisions.

'Temporary Partnership'

Two 25-year-old Russian museum visitors, who chose to remain anonymous, explained they attended out of interest in the "exoticism."

"During the Soviet era, our realist painters depicted socialist achievements," remarked one, a computer science student.

"They didn't boast like the North Koreans do," he added.

When questioned about the longevity of this emerging alliance, the other visitor told AFP, "it will not be for long."

As he spoke, a man wearing a pin featuring North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il moved closer, seemingly trying to overhear the conversation.

"I call it a temporary partnership," the student continued.

"It's only for the duration of the Ukraine conflict."