Historical factors of rapprochement between DPRK and Russia as prerequisites for north korea’s military participation in the war in Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to analyze the historical factors of the political and economic rapprochement between the two dictatorial regimes of the DPRK and Russia, which led not only to isolation and sanctions by the international community, but also to the direct participation of the North Korean military on the side of Russia in the war in Ukraine. The methodology of the article is based on a systematic methodological approach. Elements of the historical, comparative and legal methodological approaches are also applied. The legal methodological approach was used in analyzing the laws and regulatory framework on this issue. Among other scientific methods, the following were used: system analysis, synthesis, classification and typologization, extrapolation in relation to institutional forms, the method of information monitoring, collection of statistical material on the issue, etc. Scientific novely. Based on the analysis of available sources, the author identified the reasons that led to the intensification of cooperation between the DPRK and Russian regimes not only in the exchange of experience in the development of military technologies and scientific and technical developments, but also stimulated the direct participation of the DPRK military on the side of Russia in the war with Ukraine. Conclusions. It is determined that the key historical factor in the political and economic rapprochement between the DPRK and Russia was the failure of the Hanoi Summit in 2019, after which North Korea, according to “Plan B”, chose an aggressive offensive strategy against South Korea, and began to implement a strategy of sharp rapprochement with Russia and a strategy of strengthening its nuclear missile forces. It is emphasized that the consequences of such rapprochement, and especially the direct participation of the North Korean military on the side of Russia in the war in Ukraine, actualize the threat to freedom and democracy from dictatorial regimes, the threat of aggravation of the situation not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the whole world, which is also a threat of a third world war.