Russia and North Korea Forge Military Alliance Amid Ongoing Propaganda Efforts

North Korea and Russia are leveraging their military alliance as a propaganda campaign, showcasing North Korean troops in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. This newly publicized partnership has seen the deployment of around 15,000 soldiers from North Korea, despite reports of significant casualties. Moscow and Pyongyang are pushing narratives of camaraderie and military might, yet reports indicate real challenges faced by North Korean forces on the battlefield.

In a notable display of their growing alliance, North Korean soldiers were recently featured at a military training site in Russia. The five soldiers, smiles on their faces and firearms in hand, entertained by singing an old Soviet song, “Katyusha,” with translated lyrics in Korean. This performance represents a fresh wave of propaganda that both Moscow and Pyongyang are producing to celebrate their increasingly close partnership.

The propaganda footage was prominently showcased on a popular Russian news program, highlighting various scenes of North Korean troops engaging in mock combat scenarios with shotguns and hand grenades. Recently, it has come to light that North Korea sent approximately 15,000 soldiers to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, a detail previously kept under wraps by both governments.

Moscow and Pyongyang have recently acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops since last fall, revealing that nearly one-third of them have either been killed or injured. South Korea’s intelligence agency provided the assessment, stating that while North Korea is receiving various military supplies from Russia in return, including drones and surface-to-air missiles, the total cost of such support remains unclear.

The combat role of North Korean soldiers has been significant in their efforts to reclaim territory in southern Russia, specifically in Kursk, a region bordering Ukraine. For President Vladimir Putin, showcasing this collaboration underlines Russia’s resilience and showcases allied support amid the ongoing conflict.

During Russia’s recent Victory Day military parade, President Putin greeted several North Korean military leaders, further emphasizing the budding friendship. This year’s celebrations saw a larger presence of international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, compared to recent years.

Upon disclosing the tenuous relationship of North Korean deployments, Kim Jong Un is orchestrating a propaganda campaign back home that celebrates the bravery of the soldiers sent to Russia. In a visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, Kim referred to those who fought as “heroes,” highlighting the regime’s justification while also glossing over the internal conflicts his decision might cause.

Russian state media has churned out various videos portraying North Korean soldiers as valiant and adept combatants. Analysts have pointed out that these productions seem crafted to present North Koreans as “war brothers”, asserting their military commitment to Russia’s cause.

One of the videos broadcasted by media outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta featured a Russian and North Korean soldier proudly planting their respective flags together. In another segment from TASS, a commander was heard rallying troops with a passionate shout, “Until the end!”

As cities and towns in Kursk are scheduled to be named after North Korean soldiers, a contrast emerges between crafted narratives and feedback from Ukrainian officials. Reports indicate that North Korean troops faced difficulties adapting to modern warfare tactics and phrases that have led to their derision among Russian ranks

Last summer, in Pyongyang, Putin and Kim sought to formalize their alliance through a mutual-defense agreement. North Korea—faced with international sanctions—has significantly increased its artillery shell production to support Russia, which now reportedly relies on North Korean munitions for nearly half of its front-line operations.

The partnership extends beyond military support, as both countries aim to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including agriculture and public health. As Russia seeks to replenish its labor force, interest in reintroducing North Korean workers has also surfaced.

The state-news program “Vesti Nedeli” highlighted North Korean soldiers demonstrating their proficiency with Russian language and combat skills. A soldier recounted how the Russian forces endeavored to accommodate their needs, offering soy sauce and tofu as familiar ingredients. Following their performance, the North Korean troops expressed gratitude in Russian, a reciprocation that concluded the segment appreciatively.

Such efforts reflect the length both regimes are willing to go to strengthen their alliance, at least from the optics. However, the ongoing war and the underlying tensions with other nations remain prevalent in the shadows as they forge ahead.

In summary, the alliance between Russia and North Korea is increasingly being utilized as a propaganda tool, showcasing mutual military support as they face international scrutiny. North Korean troops have been part of Russia’s war efforts, including in crucial battles in Ukraine, while state media on both sides magnifies the partnership. However, reports suggest a more nuanced reality, where the situation on the ground might not align with the rosy rhetoric projected by Moscow and Pyongyang. As both nations strengthen their ties across various sectors, the ramifications of this alliance could have lasting effects in the geopolitical sphere.

Original Source: www.livemint.com