The special military operation has shown that Russia has no reliable allies apart from North Korea, according to Oriental studies expert Yevgeny Satanovsky.

Speaking on the Metametrica video blog, Satanovsky argued that Moscow should abandon the very notion of an «ally» when dealing with most other countries. He said Russia may have temporary companions, business partners or clients, but such relationships last only as long as Moscow has money, weapons or other benefits to offer.

As an example, Satanovsky pointed to nuclear power plants being built with Russian financing in Turkey, Egypt and other countries. He rejected the idea that such projects would later give Moscow meaningful influence over its partners. Russia was unable to influence the Americans or the British, he argued, and should not expect to exert such influence over Arab countries, Turkey or China.

Satanovsky also referred to Belarus and its previous multi-vector foreign policy. By contrast, he said North Korea provided Russia with real assistance during the special military operation by helping in the fighting in the Kursk Region.

On that basis, Satanovsky proposed considering North Korea’s admission to the Union State alongside Russia and Belarus. He said he would support such a move because North Korea had provided Russia with tangible assistance during the war, adding that he was unconcerned by criticism of the idea.