Amid diplomatic fallout between North Korea and China, its only major trade partner, Russia is positioning itself to be a stronger North Korean ally, reaching out to provide North Korea with an internet connection. On October 1st, 38North and Dyn Research reported that Russia began providing an internet connection to North Korea. North Korean officials “used violent methods” against Xiyang staff, such as depriving them of food and water, and smashing windows. North Korea eventually annulled the contract with Xiyang, after deporting employees in the dead of night. In addition, on October 10th, Russia reopened a ferry route to North Korea, despite the sanctions’ calls to curtail economic cooperation between UN Security Council member states and North Korea.

Source: Forbes December 01, 2017 08:57 UTC