Russia Trains North Korean Forces with Advanced Weaponry Amidst Conflict
Russia is training North Korean soldiers on advanced weaponry, including AK-12 and Dragunov rifles, raising concerns in the West. The training includes modern combat techniques and could grant North Korea valuable military experience as they fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This collaboration has serious implications for the ongoing conflict and stability in the region.
The Russian Defense Ministry has unveiled new footage featuring North Korean forces being trained in the use of advanced weaponry. The training includes familiarization with AK-12 assault rifles, Vepr-12 shotguns modified for drone targeting, and Dragunov sniper rifles. This partnership between Russia and North Korea is sparking concerns in both the West and South Korea, where officials fear these troops might gain crucial combat skills for modern warfare.
In addition to firearms training, the video showcases various tactical exercises, such as trench clearing and grenade handling. Troops are shown firing RPG-7 grenade launchers, a piece of equipment still in active use by Russian forces. Reports from Ukraine’s intelligence suggested that Russia delivered similar weaponry to North Korea late in 2024, adding further credence to the concerns.
The footage, while reportedly showing troops near Kursk, remains unverified. This release comes after Russia admitted, albeit after months of silence, that North Korean soldiers are actively engaged on the front lines in Ukraine. Western officials are wary that this deployment is giving North Korean troops invaluable experience with modern combat tactics and drone operations, particularly as they seem to adapt despite suffering considerable casualties.
Moscow is reportedly trading military technology with North Korea in exchange for deploying North Korean soldiers against Ukraine. Initial reports indicated that Russia had sent around 12,000 North Korean troops to its borders, with Seoul estimating the figure slightly lower at about 11,000 soldiers. This deployment has reportedly contributed significantly to Russia’s efforts to drive Ukrainian forces from key positions in Kursk Oblast.
The US State Department has openly criticized North Korea’s participation, stating that it only serves to prolong Russia’s military actions in Ukraine while placing accountability on Pyongyang for its involvement. In addition, captured North Korean soldiers disclosed that their home country has established a military training base modeled after South Korean cities, explicitly aimed at combat preparation.
During her visit to Ukraine, South Korean lawmaker Yoo Young-won encountered two North Korean prisoners of war. They informed her that the training base is situated in Koksan County, located in North Hwanghae Province, just a short distance from the Demilitarized Zone. This base is speculated to be part of North Korea’s strategy to enhance its military capabilities significantly.
In conclusion, the cooperation between Russia and North Korea is raising alarm bells globally, particularly due to the military training being conducted for North Korean troops using advanced Russian weaponry. The implications of this collaboration are serious, as it grants North Korea essential combat skills that could alter the dynamics of modern warfare. The involved nations are under scrutiny for their actions, with the US State Department condemning North Korea’s role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This partnership, characterized by an exchange of military technologies, suggests a worrying future for regional stability and security.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
