Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused North Korea of aiding Russia in its war efforts against Ukraine, stating that North Korea is not only supplying weapons but also individuals to work in Russian factories and even serve in the Russian army. Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s allies to increase their support in light of these reports. He mentioned that North Korea’s Kim family is involved in supporting Russia, alongside Tehran. The Ukrainian President addressed the Parliament in Kyiv with this information, highlighting the involvement of North Korea in the conflict.
Reports suggest that North Korea has sent around 10,000 soldiers to Russia to assist in the war efforts against Ukraine. These soldiers are said to be working alongside the Russian 11th Airborne Brigade in forming a “battalion” consisting of North Korean citizens. Ukrainian intelligence sources believe that this battalion will be deployed in defensive operations in the Kursk region. There have also been claims of North Korean military personnel training near Mariupol. While these reports have not been independently verified, it is believed that the Kremlin is utilizing the Russia-North Korea partnership agreement to bolster its forces.
The reasons behind Russia’s need for North Korean soldiers are not entirely clear, but it is suggested that it could be a way for Putin to avoid wider mobilization efforts and offset force generation and border security requirements. The ISW think tank noted that Putin seems more inclined to absorb North Korean personnel into the Russian military rather than calling for a wider mobilization to address the combat situation. This strategy may be a part of Putin’s commitment to avoiding mobilization for as long as possible, utilizing irregular force generation efforts instead.
It is reported that North Korean soldiers are aiding Russia in various capacities, including working in factories to replace those killed in the war and serving in the Russian army. These soldiers are believed to be deployed in regions such as the Kursk region and training areas near Mariupol. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict raises concerns about the extent of international support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. The partnership between Russia and North Korea, along with support from Tehran, showcases the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s accusations against North Korea, along with reports of North Korean soldiers being deployed in Russia, highlight the international implications of the conflict in Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war efforts against Ukraine raises questions about the extent of international support for Russia and the tactics being employed by Putin to avoid wider mobilization efforts. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical alliances and partnerships that are shaping the current conflict and the challenges facing Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
