Russia’s Military Training Program for North Korean Forces Raises Concerns

Footage reveals North Korean troops training with advanced Russian weapons, raising security concerns in the West and South Korea. This partnership includes combat training and military technology exchanges, as North Korean forces are reportedly deployed to aid Russia in its conflict against Ukraine.

Recent footage from Russia’s Defense Ministry highlights North Korean soldiers undergoing training with advanced Russian weaponry, such as AK-12 assault rifles and Dragunov sniper rifles, among others. The training also showcases North Korean forces practicing trench clearing and grenade handling techniques, alongside firing RPG-7s, a popular grenade launcher used by Russian troops, as reported by Business Insider.

This growing military partnership between Russia and North Korea has raised significant concerns in both the West and South Korea. Officials express unease that North Korean forces might gain vital combat experience and learn to operate modern weaponry, especially drones which have become central to modern warfare strategies. Notably, it is believed that similar weapon systems were delivered from Russia to North Korea late last year.

The videos reportedly depict North Korean troops stationed near Kursk, an observation that remains unconfirmed. This development follows Moscow’s acknowledgment—after lengthy silence—of North Korean troops actively participating in combat against Ukrainian forces. There is a clear sense of apprehension from Western officials who argue that this situation grants North Korea essential combat skills involving 21st-century weaponry and drone tactics, despite the troops initially facing hardships and significant casualties.

Military exchanges appear to be a quid pro quo arrangement, where Moscow transfers military technologies to Pyongyang and, in return, receives North Korean soldiers to bolster its efforts in Ukraine. Early reports suggested that as many as 12,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia, though South Korean estimates placed that number slightly lower at about 11,000.

These North Korean forces have, according to reports, played a substantial role in Russia’s recent military strategies, especially in the operation to reclaim territory during the conflict in Kursk Oblast. The US State Department has criticized North Korea’s engagement, asserting it aids in sustaining Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine, further complicating geopolitical tensions in the region.

Human rights concerns are also raised, as accounts from captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine unveiled the existence of a military training facility designed to resemble major cities in South Korea, including Seoul. South Korean lawmaker Yoo Young-won, after visiting Ukraine, confirmed meeting with two North Korean POWs who disclosed information about this base located in Koksan County, within 65 kilometers of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

In summary, the training of North Korean soldiers with advanced Russian weaponry points to a troubling military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. This partnership not only enhances North Korea’s combat capabilities but also poses significant implications for regional security in East Asia. As these forces adapt to modern warfare, concerns grow about their influence over future conflicts.

Original Source: euromaidanpress.com