North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Support Russia in Ukraine

North Korea officially confirms sending troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war, acknowledging deployment for the first time. Leader Kim Jong Un stated the move aims to defeat Ukrainian forces. With significant troop losses reported, this partnership raises concerns about military technology transfers between Russia and North Korea.

In a notable development, North Korea has officially confirmed its deployment of troops to Russia, aimed at providing support in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This announcement comes from leader Kim Jong Un and marks the first acknowledgment of troop movements by North Korea, despite prior reports from US, South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence suggesting that between 10,000 and 12,000 troops were sent last year.

According to a statement from the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, this decision stems from a mutual defense treaty. Mr. Kim allegedly described the deployment’s purpose as an effort to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers” while collaborating with the Russian armed forces. The statement further emphasized the heroic initiative of those fighting for the country.

Notably, South Korea’s military reported earlier in March that North Korea had dispatched an additional 3,000 troops to Russia after suffering significant losses on the battlefield. Estimates indicate that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have either been killed or wounded, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky citing similar figures, although US estimates are considerably lower at about 1,200.

During a recent meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu, Mr. Kim reiterated his steadfast support for Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine, affirming their alliance established under last year’s treaty. Reports from Russian foreign minister Andrei Rudenko indicated discussions are underway regarding a potential visit from Mr. Kim to Moscow.

The military relationship between North Korea and Russia has intensified, with North Korea providing significant supplies of conventional weapons. This has raised concerns among South Korea, the US, and their allies about the potential exchange of high-tech military technology that could bolster North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities. Meanwhile, analysts suggest North Korea could benefit economically in return.

Although North Korean soldiers are deemed disciplined and well-trained, they may be vulnerable on the battlefield due to their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain. Nonetheless, Ukrainian military sources have noted that these troops are gaining valuable experience and are considered important to Russia’s strategy of overwhelming Ukraine with large numbers concentrated in the battle for Kursk.

In summary, North Korea has confirmed troop deployments to Russia, which could substantially impact the war in Ukraine. The collaboration stems from a mutual defense treaty, with substantial military and economic implications on the horizon. Both parties appear to benefit from this partnership, while concerns about the exchange of advanced military technologies continue to loom in the background.

Original Source: www.expressandstar.com