North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia in Support of Ukraine War

North Korea has confirmed sending troops to Russia for the Ukraine conflict, with estimates of casualties rising. The move, highlighted in their state media, underscores their support for Russia and raises concerns regarding military exchanges of advanced technology. North Korean fighters are gaining battlefield experience but face challenges due to inexperience.

In a surprising development, North Korea has officially acknowledged sending troops to Russia to assist in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Until recently, intelligence from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine indicated that North Korea had already dispatched as many as 12,000 soldiers last year; however, they had not commented on these deployments until now.

The Central Military Commission of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party released a statement asserting that leader Kim Jong Un decided to send combat troops to Russia through a mutual defense treaty. The statement indicated that this military action aimed to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers” and aid in liberating the Kursk area alongside Russian forces.

Kim described the soldiers deployed as “heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,” signaling a strong nationalistic fervor in the rhetoric surrounding these troops. In February, South Korea’s intelligence agency hinted that North Korea may have committed even more troops as previous deployments suffered significant casualties.

With estimates of 300 North Korean soldiers killed and around 2,700 injured, the extent of losses has raised alarms. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy estimated that North Korean casualties could be as high as 4,000, although US sources provided a lower estimate of around 1,200.

Earlier this year, during a meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, Kim reaffirmed his commitment to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine while emphasizing their mutual defense pact. Media from Russia noted discussions about a potential visit from Kim to Moscow.

In addition to weapons, North Korea has been sending a significant volume of conventional arms to Russia. Concerns are emerging that Russia may reciprocate by sharing advanced military technologies with North Korea, potentially enhancing its nuclear arsenal. In exchange, North Korea may receive economic aid and other forms of support from Russia.

While North Korean soldiers are typically well-disciplined and trained, they face challenges on the battlefield. Reports suggest their lack of recent combat experience and unfamiliarity with the Ukrainian terrain puts them at risk of being caught in drone and artillery barrages. However, Ukrainian forces are recognizing that these North Korean troops are acquiring crucial battlefield experiences and have played a vital role in Russia’s strategy to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses at Kursk.

North Korea’s admission of troop deployments to Russia marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting deepening military ties between the two nations. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in this war raises concerns about their well-being amid heavy casualties and the potential for advanced weapons technology exchanges between Russia and North Korea. This unfolding situation may have far-reaching implications as both countries solidify their partnership.

Original Source: www.9news.com.au