Russia Reportedly Forms Military Unit of 3,000 North Korean Soldiers Amid Strengthening Alliance
Russia is reportedly forming a military unit consisting of around 3,000 North Korean soldiers, marking a deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. This development, according to a Ukrainian military intelligence source, suggests that North Korea is increasingly supporting Russia’s efforts in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the BBC has yet to verify the formation of such a large military unit in Russia’s Far East, the growing relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin is evident.
North Korean Troops in Russia: Fact or Speculation?
The BBC reports that, while there is no visible evidence of such a large-scale deployment, some North Koreans have already arrived and are stationed near Ussuriysk, north of Vladivostok. The numbers, however, remain unclear, with a Russian military source stating that the presence of North Koreans is far smaller than the 3,000 suggested by Ukrainian intelligence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed these reports, criticizing both British and American intelligence agencies for making claims without solid proof.
Despite the lack of confirmation, cooperation between Russia and North Korea has undeniably increased in recent months. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently sent a birthday message to President Putin, calling him his “closest comrade,” signifying the deepening personal and political ties between the two nations.
Growing Concerns: North Korean Involvement in the Ukraine Conflict
South Korea’s defense minister recently stated that North Korea’s participation in the war in Ukraine is “highly likely.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed concern about the possibility of North Korean troops joining the conflict, underscoring the potential escalation of hostilities on the battlefield. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted that such a move would signify “a new level of desperation” for Russia, which has faced considerable battlefield losses since the war began.
Experts are skeptical, however, about how effectively Russian forces could integrate a large number of North Korean soldiers, especially considering the challenges of incorporating even Russian-speaking prisoners into military units. The language barrier and differences in military training and tactics between the two nations would likely complicate their ability to fight alongside Russian forces.
Russia and North Korea’s Growing Military Cooperation
Although the integration of 3,000 North Korean soldiers into the Russian military is still uncertain, there is clear evidence that North Korea is supplying Russia with ammunition. Recently, a missile supplied by Pyongyang was recovered in Ukraine’s Poltava region, and reports of North Korean-provided mines and shells have circulated since December 2023 in Russian military communities.
Russian soldiers stationed in Ukraine have often complained about the poor quality of ammunition, with some reporting that dozens of soldiers were injured due to faulty equipment. The influx of North Korean ammunition may address some of these shortages, though the quality and effectiveness of these supplies remain questionable.
North Korean Soldiers in Russia: Their Role and Challenges
There are suspicions that a North Korean military unit is preparing for deployment in the Ulan-Ude region, near the Mongolian border, with plans to send troops to Russia’s Kursk province. This deployment would likely involve non-combat roles, such as guarding sections of the Russian-Ukrainian border, freeing up Russian soldiers to fight elsewhere.
Military analysts believe that North Korean troops may be better suited for engineering and construction tasks rather than frontline combat. The North Korean army, with 1.28 million active soldiers, lacks recent combat experience compared to Russia’s battle-hardened forces. Additionally, the Soviet-era structure of North Korea’s armed forces may not integrate well with modern Russian military systems.
The language barrier poses another significant challenge. With no familiarity with Russian, North Korean soldiers would face difficulties in communication and coordination with Russian forces. This could limit their effectiveness in combat and other operational roles.
Mutual Benefits for Russia and North Korea
Despite the challenges, both Russia and North Korea have much to gain from this military cooperation. North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, is eager for financial support and access to advanced military technology. Moscow, facing personnel shortages and significant losses in the Ukraine conflict, needs reinforcements and ammunition.
Andrei Lankov, director of the Korea Risk Group, suggests that Pyongyang’s involvement would be financially rewarding and could provide North Korean soldiers with valuable combat experience. However, this comes with the risk of exposing North Koreans to life in the West, which could impact the regime’s tight control over its people.
For Russian President Vladimir Putin, the potential deployment of North Korean troops could serve as a solution to the difficulties faced during the previous rounds of mandatory mobilization. As Russian forces face depletion due to the prolonged conflict, North Korean soldiers might be seen as a viable option to bolster Russia’s military strength on the battlefield.
Global Implications of a North Korean-Russian Alliance
The growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the Ukraine conflict. If reports of North Korean troop deployment are confirmed, it would mark a significant development in the war and could draw more international scrutiny toward Russia’s military alliances.
President Zelensky and his Western allies are closely monitoring the situation, as the presence of foreign boots on the ground could change the dynamics of the conflict. Although there have been no Western troops in Ukraine, the deployment of North Korean soldiers could prompt new discussions about international intervention.
As Russia continues to face challenges in its war with Ukraine, the potential involvement of North Korean troops marks a significant turning point in the conflict. While doubts remain about the scale and effectiveness of this deployment, the alliance between Russia and North Korea is strengthening, with both nations benefiting from military cooperation. As the war continues, the role of North Korean soldiers and ammunition in Russia’s military strategy will be a key factor to watch.