North Korea sends troops to Russia, as per reports, to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. This occurrence has raised serious concerns regarding probable escalation of the Ukraine War and the growing political & military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
National Intelligence Service of South Korea has said in a statement that Russian Navy has transported more than a 1000 Special Forces Soldiers to Russia between 8th October 2024 to 13 October 2024. These Soldiers may soon join the Russian Army in their war against Ukrainian forces. As per NIS (National Intelligence Service), North Korean Soldiers are currently accommodated in Russian Port of Vladivostok and being supplied with Russian Uniforms, Identifications and Weapons. South Korean Media reports that this deployment is beginning of a bigger plan of sending 12000 additional soldiers to Ukraine.
This will be a first battle-field experience for North Korean Soldiers in a foreign war. This development is definitely originating from the recent Russia-North Korean co-operation treaty, that is frightening for western powers, a move in re-balancing world politics and of course a challenge to existing world order.
Ukrainian Intelligence has also confirmed the development by stating that North Korea has sent tactical personnels & officers to Support Russia in their invasion into Ukraine.
“From our intelligence we’ve got information that North Korea sent tactical personnel and officers to Ukraine,”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President, Ukraine
Russia-North Korea Growing Cooperation
The cooperation between Russia and North Korea has been strengthening over recent months.
In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a military deal, a treaty that included a mutual assistance clause, pledging direct military support and technological co-operations. This treaty has led to North Korea’s entry in the Ukraine war, with reports indicating that North Korea sends troops to Russia for training and are expected to be deployed to the front lines, which includes special forces & tactical officers.
Potential Expansion of the Ukraine War
The involvement of North Korean military could seriously enhance the area of the Ukraine War. With additional military support, Russia may increase its offensive operations, leading to lengthy and intensified fighting. This could also lead to other nations to take sides, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
International Reactions
The international community has reacted cautiously after North Korea sends troops to Russia. South Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador to criticize Pyongyang’s decision and called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged for a strong international response to this development, emphasizing the need to address the growing threat.
“If true, that would demonstrate an increase in the cooperation between Russia and North Korea,”
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder
“We condemn North Korea’s illegal military cooperation, including its dispatch of troops to Russia, in the strongest terms,”
Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun
As North Korea sends troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine, it marks a dangerous escalation and indicates the deepening cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The international community, especially western nations must remain careful and take strategic action to prevent the wider global implications and ensure that the war does not expand to Korean Regions.