North Korea Confirms Military Support to Russia in Ukraine Conflict

North Korea confirms troop deployments to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, with an estimated 10,000-12,000 soldiers sent last fall. The intention is to fight against Ukrainian forces under a mutual defense treaty. North Korean troops, while disciplined, face significant challenges on the battlefield due to their inexperience.

In a significant military update, North Korea has officially confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia, intending to assist in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. The announcement comes as a response to reports from U.S. and South Korean intelligence, which indicated that roughly 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were dispatched last fall, though prior to this confirmation, there was no official acknowledgment from Pyongyang regarding these troop movements.

According to the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, the decision to send combat troops was made by leader Kim Jong Un. The statement describes the purpose of the deployment: to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers” and to aid in the liberation of the Kursk area alongside Russian forces. Kim referenced the soldiers as “heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland.”

Reports earlier in the year from South Korea suggested that North Korea had sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia, particularly after they experienced significant casualties at the fronts in Ukraine. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported an estimate of around 4,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier given a similar figure of 4,000, although U.S. estimates were notably lower, suggesting about 1,200 casualties.

Kim’s unwavering commitment to Russia’s efforts in Ukraine was highlighted during a meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in March, which took place in Pyongyang. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the mutual defense treaty established last year. Additionally, discussions reportedly continue regarding a potential visit by Kim to Moscow, as noted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.

Beyond troop deployments, North Korea has been actively supplying Russia with substantial conventional weaponry. However, this promotion of military collaboration raises concerns among South Korea, the United States, and their allies regarding potential exchanges of high-tech military technologies that could boost North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Conversely, North Korea is likely to receive various forms of economic aid from Russia.

Despite the discipline and training of North Korean troops, analysts warn that these soldiers have become vulnerable targets on the battlefield, particularly because they often lack combat experience and are not accustomed to the local terrain. Nevertheless, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials recognize that North Korean forces are acquiring valuable combat experience that could prove crucial in Russia’s strategy to pressure Ukraine by overwhelming them with sheer numbers in the battle for Kursk.

In summary, North Korea’s confirmation of troop deployments to Russia marks a critical development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The actions taken by leader Kim Jong Un reflect a commitment to mutual defense and support for Russian military objectives. The growing military collaboration raises significant concerns about the impact on the regional security balance, particularly regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Original Source: kstp.com