For the first time, the United States has reported having evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, with South Korean intelligence suggesting that 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
This development, announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on 23 October, has raised significant concerns regarding the involvement of North Korean military forces in a war that has largely defined European security since 2022.
Speaking during a visit to Rome, Austin emphasised the gravity of North Korea’s involvement, stating that it would be “very, very serious” if these troops were indeed fighting alongside Russian forces. He noted, however, that it was still unclear exactly what role these troops would be taking in Russia.
South Korean lawmakers have claimed that North Korea has committed to sending up to 10,000 troops in support of Russia, with the first 3,000 already deployed and more expected by December. This number represents a significant increase from earlier estimates, with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) previously suggesting the presence of around 1,500 North Korean personnel in Russia. The NIS has reported that North Korean troops were detected undergoing training within their own country between September and October, before being transported to Russia, where they are now adapting to the local environment.
Park Sun-won, a member of South Korea’s parliamentary intelligence committee, noted that the troops have been spread across multiple training facilities in Russia. There is speculation that they may eventually be deployed in active combat, but their exact role remains undetermined.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has turned into a brutal war of attrition, primarily focused on Ukraine’s eastern front. The introduction of North Korean troops, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the international dimensions of the war.
Strategic Implications
The deployment of North Korean forces could point to a deeper issue within Russia’s military, specifically a shortage of manpower. With Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces stretched thin after more than two years of fighting, the addition of foreign troops could be a sign that the Kremlin is struggling to maintain adequate troop levels. This view was echoed by Austin, who suggested that the involvement of North Korean troops indicated that Putin might be “in more trouble than most people realise.”
In addition to manpower concerns, the deployment of North Korean forces could signify broader strategic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The two countries have previously denied reports of weapons transfers, but at a summit earlier this year, they pledged to strengthen military ties, culminating in the signing of a mutual defence treaty. This partnership appears to be evolving, with both countries looking to bolster each other’s military capabilities amid global condemnation of their actions.
Responses and Reactions
Unsurprisingly, both Moscow and Pyongyang have dismissed the reports of North Korean troop deployment as “fake news” and “groundless rumours.” A North Korean representative to the United Nations echoed these denials during a meeting in New York earlier this week.
Nonetheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been vocal in his accusations against North Korea, alleging that Pyongyang is preparing to send up to 10,000 soldiers to support Russia. On 22 October, Zelenskiy called on Ukraine’s allies to take action in response to what he described as clear evidence of North Korean involvement in the war.
In South Korea, lawmakers have expressed concern over the possible role North Korean forces might play in the Ukraine war. The NIS has warned that North Korean authorities have been isolating and relocating the families of deployed troops to prevent the spread of rumours and ensure control over sensitive information.
Reports also suggest that Russia has recruited a significant number of interpreters for the North Korean soldiers, training them in the use of military equipment, including drones. However, according to Lee Seong-kweun, another South Korean lawmaker, Russian instructors have indicated that while the North Korean troops possess strong physical capabilities and morale, they lack familiarity with modern warfare tactics, which could lead to heavy casualties if they are deployed on the front lines.
International Concerns
The alleged deployment of North Korean forces has raised alarm among Ukraine’s allies. Germany, for example, summoned North Korea’s chargé d’affaires in Berlin over concerns regarding the involvement of North Korean troops in the war. In a statement, the German Foreign Ministry underscored that if the reports of North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine are confirmed, it would constitute a violation of international law.
Furthermore, the South Korean government has expressed serious reservations. On 22 October, the South’s presidential office issued a statement urging North Korea to immediately withdraw its troops from Russia, warning that further military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could prompt South Korea to reconsider its stance on supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine.
Image source: arise news
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