North Korea’s Troop Deployment to Russia: Official Confirmation and Implications

North Korea confirmed sending troops to Russia to support the war in Ukraine, with around 10,000-12,000 reportedly dispatched last year. Kim Jong Un stated this was part of a mutual defense treaty aimed at eliminating Ukrainian forces. Despite their rigorous training, North Korean troops are considered vulnerable in combat due to lack of experience. The situation underscores increasing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia as they tighten their geopolitical partnership.

North Korea has officially confirmed its deployment of troops to Russia, marking the first such acknowledgment from its leadership regarding support for Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un’s statement comes amidst ongoing tensions as intelligence sources from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine have indicated that North Korea sent approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops last year. This announcement clears previous ambiguities regarding troop movements, despite earlier reports suggesting North Korea’s involvement.

The Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party stated that the decision to send combat troops was in line with a mutual defense treaty between the two nations. Specifically, Kim underlined the deployment’s objective to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area” alongside Russian forces. He emphasized the heroic status of the troops, asserting their actions symbolize national honor.

In March, South Korean military officials reported that North Korea had dispatched approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia this year. This follows heavy casualties on the Russian-Ukrainian front, with around 4,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly killed or injured; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed similar casualty estimates. In contrast, U.S. assessments are smaller, estimating around 1,200 casualties among North Korean ranks.

Earlier this year, Kim expressed full backing for Russia’s military actions during talks with Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. State media conveyed a mutual commitment to uphold the defense treaty established last year. Furthermore, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko revealed that discussions are underway for a potential visit by Kim to Moscow, suggesting deepening ties.

Beyond troop deployments, North Korea has been providing substantial conventional armaments to Russia, which raises concerns among South Korea, the U.S., and allied nations. They worry that Russia may reciprocate by sharing advanced military technology with North Korea, potentially bolstering its nuclear capabilities. In exchange, North Korea is expected to gain economic support essential for its development.

While North Korean soldiers are noted for their discipline and training, experts warn that their inexperience in real combat renders them vulnerable to drone and artillery strikes on battlefields. Despite this risk, Ukraine’s military officials assess that the North Korean contingent is acquiring important operational experience, playing a significant role in Russia’s strategy to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses in the ongoing conflict near Kursk.

North Korea’s confirmation of troop deployment to assist Russia in Ukraine marks a significant development in international military alliances. Under Kim Jong Un’s directive, North Korean forces intend to collaborate with Russian troops against Ukrainian opposition, although their inexperience poses substantial risks on the battlefield. As North Korea maintains its support for Russia, both nations appear to be strengthening their military and economic ties amid growing international scrutiny.

Original Source: www.expressandstar.com