North Korean Artillery Presence in Crimea: A Sign of Escalation in Ukraine Conflict

The presence of North Korean “Koksan” artillery guns in Crimea points to potential increased military involvement from Pyongyang in the Ukraine conflict. A military train observed carrying multiple systems signals a logistical support escalation. Analysts suggest this may lead to the deployment of North Korean troops into Ukraine, transforming their engagement from supportive to active. Ukraine’s military has managed to destroy several of these artillery units, indicating a continuous threat from North Korean supplies to Russian forces.

The recent sighting of North Korean 170mm “Koksan” artillery guns in Russian-occupied Crimea suggests an increasing involvement of Pyongyang in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. A military train transporting several of these self-propelled guns was documented on March 26, indicating possible logistical support from North Korea.

The train observed in northern Crimea was reported by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, containing 7-8 Koksan artillery pieces and additional military equipment. Notably, a truck identified as a Chinese Sinotruk Howo, previously seen in North Korean military parades, appeared on the same train, although its precise function remains uncertain.

Speculations regarding the truck’s role propose that it could be used for transporting ammunition for either the 240mm M1991 multiple launch rocket system or the Koksan artillery, which has been associated with previous military aggressions against Ukrainian forces. With a striking range of up to 60 kilometers, the Koksan systems pose significant threats as they can potentially reach key Ukrainian cities.

While Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed at least five of these artillery systems via drone strikes, it has been suggested that North Korea might have dispatched as many as 200 Koksan units to Russia. Historically, North Korean military assets have been confined to operations within Russia’s recognized borders, yet the emergence of these artillery systems in Crimea may signal an escalation in North Korea’s involvement.

Analysts caution that the deployment of North Korean troops to Ukrainian soil could soon follow the artillery’s stationing. This would shift Pyongyang’s role from a supportive ally to a direct participant in the conflict, fundamentally altering the dynamics of the situation.

The confirmation of North Korean “Koksan” artillery systems in Crimea signifies a possible shift in the conflict in Ukraine, indicating a direct escalation of support from Pyongyang. If ground troops are deployed alongside the artillery, North Korea would transition from a background supporter to an active participant, complicating the narrative around its involvement and heightening risks for Ukraine. The ongoing destruction of these systems by Ukrainian forces and the significant reliance of Russian artillery units on North Korean supplies further underline the stakes involved in this evolving situation. As the conflict progresses, the implications of these developments in the geopolitics of the region could have far-reaching consequences.

Original Source: www.kyivpost.com