North Korea Sends Thousands of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea has reportedly sent 3,000 additional soldiers to assist Russia in Ukraine, totaling around 11,000 since January. This involvement marks a significant military engagement for North Korea since the Korean War, with captured soldiers revealing they were unaware of their assignments. The situation raises concerns about international military dynamics amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
South Korea’s military reports that North Korea has deployed about 3,000 additional troops to Russia to support its war efforts in Ukraine. This move comes amidst unsettling events on the battlefield, including a tragic suicide of a soldier after expressing despair.
Since January and February, North Korea has reportedly sent nearly 11,000 soldiers to assist Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, coupled with significant supplies of missiles, artillery, and ammunition. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff are concerned that North Korea may increase these supplies as the conflict evolves.
Both Russia and Ukraine have announced a limited ceasefire, although mutual accusations of violations have surfaced. Notably, a military agreement between North Korea and Russia was established during Putin’s visit to North Korea last year, yet neither country has officially acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops on the front lines.
In January, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers, marking a critical confirmation of North Korea’s involvement. These soldiers exhibited discipline despite their lack of battlefield experience, having begun military conscription at just 16 years of age, with an overall service duration of eight years.
One captured soldier expressed his unawareness of his deployment to Ukraine, stating: “I didn’t know before coming to Russia that I would be fighting here.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that investigations and communication with captured soldiers continue, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
North Korea’s ongoing military engagement in Ukraine illustrates a significant geopolitical shift. The deployment of an estimated 11,000 soldiers raises concerns about international military alliances and the implications for global security. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict underscores the complexities of modern warfare and highlights the humanitarian crises affecting those caught in the crossfire.
Original Source: www.the-express.com
