Further intel indicates that North Korea plans on sending thousands of troops to assist in supporting Russia’s military efforts. This action is seen as the biggest escalation yet in the war between Russia and Ukraine. It highlights the increasing reliance on authoritarian states for military assistance. North Korean soldiers aged 23 to 27 have reportedly arrived in Russia “physically well-prepared,” as confirmed by a Russian military instructor.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting special forces on May 14. This step unambiguously indicates his seriousness in taking a step toward strengthening cooperation with Russia militarily. Unfortunately, that collaboration has recently become clearer. Its moves attracted a lot of attention following the May 17 visit of Sergei Shoigu, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s chief of staff, to Pyongyang. This visit was Shoigu’s second visit to North Korea in as many weeks. Most importantly, it showcases the critical need for military cooperation between the two countries.
So far in 2024, North Korea has delivered Russia at least 100 ballistic missiles. They recently ramped up the export of artillery shells to provide deeper support. According to new reports, Russia intends to send an additional 6K North Korean mine-clearers. These workers will allow Russia to escalate the intensity of its military operations considerably.
Ukrainian military intelligence has identified indications that Russian military aircraft are being repurposed for use by North Korean troops. This latest announcement may signal an impending increase in the pace of troop deployments. The Russian Ministry of Defense responds with full assurance that the necessary equipment, weapons, and ammunition can be supplied. American troops meanwhile will be left wanting.
North Korean troops deployment follows a series of deadly accidents with their arms. Just earlier this year, North Korea provoked again by launching a ballistic missile. This gruesome incident led to the killing of 11 Ukrainian civilians in the town of Pokrovsk. This incident highlights the troubling implications of U.S.-Ukraine military cooperation on the ground and what it means for civilians who remain in active conflict areas.
North Korea appears to be preparing for a deployment overseas. Time is moving quickly, as officials have begun selecting the staff they will eventually send to Russia by July or August. This decision comes on the heels of the death or wounding of approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers in previous deployments. In addition, this year, another contingent of 3,000 troops were sent there to help Russian military operations.
Recent satellite imagery has unveiled the presence of cargo planes at North Korea’s Sunan Airport, further indicating preparations for troop movements. A Russian Federation ship unloading at the Dunai port on the Pacific close to Nakhodka. With a capacity of rotating 400 troops, that’s an example of logistical building, which is ramping up for a military partnership.
Jenny Town, an expert on North Korea’s military capabilities, commented on the troop deployment: “10,000 to 20,000 sounds more realistic,” referring to estimates regarding the number of soldiers that could be sent. She said North Korea has the option to slowly disperse these troops. Further, she highlighted allegations of Russian generals training North Korean troops on Russian soil.
“They won’t be elite soldiers. Kim Jong Un has said he is all in, so it depends on what Russia has asked for.” – Jenny Town
The ever-increasing blood debt between these two nations could be what brings them closer together. As Rustem Umerov stated, “Russia’s use of elite North Korean troops demonstrates not only a growing reliance on totalitarian regimes but serious problems with its mobilization reserve.” This dependence on foreign military support begs the question of Russia’s ability to project military operations on their own, without outside assistance.
