Reports are coming in that thousands of North Korean soldiers are being trained to fight in Ukraine to help Russia deal with its losses in the ongoing war. This development is part of a growing friendship between North Korea and Russia, which could benefit both countries.
What’s Happening?
According to a Ukrainian news outlet, the North Korean troops will be part of a group called the “Special Buryat Battalion.” This battalion is organized within the 11th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Russian army. It is expected to have around 3,000 North Korean soldiers, who are currently receiving training and being supplied with weapons.
These soldiers might be sent to the Sudzha region, which is close to the area of conflict in Ukraine. While reports suggest that some North Korean troops may already be there, it is unclear exactly when the rest will arrive or where they will be deployed.
The Situation on the Ground
Recent reports indicate that North Korean officers are already in Ukraine, observing Russian forces and learning about the battlefield. However, it seems that no North Korean troops have engaged in combat yet. There are claims that some North Korean soldiers are operating behind Russian lines, assisting with missile systems.
One report mentioned that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops might be sent to help Russia. Unfortunately, there have already been reports of North Korean soldiers being killed in the fighting.
Reactions from Leaders
The Kremlin has denied these claims, calling them a “hoax.” However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that North Korea is sending troops to support Russian forces. He stated that the partnership between Russia and North Korea is growing stronger, indicating that it’s no longer just about weapons; they are now exchanging soldiers as well.
A Strategic Partnership
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a new law to strengthen the partnership with North Korea, promising military help to each other in times of war. This agreement highlights the importance of military cooperation between the two nations.
Why This Matters
This partnership is beneficial for North Korea in many ways. The country is facing economic hardships and can gain military support from Russia by sending its troops to fight. Additionally, North Korean soldiers will gain real combat experience, something they haven’t had in many years. North Korea has also faced sanctions for sending workers abroad, making this military cooperation a crucial source of income for the regime.
For Russia, bringing in North Korean troops could help make up for the heavy losses it has suffered in Ukraine. The Pentagon estimates that Russia has lost around 600,000 troops since the war began. By using North Korean soldiers, Russia can avoid forcing more of its own citizens into military service, which is unpopular.
The Challenges Ahead
However, questions remain about how effective these North Korean troops will be. Reports suggest that only a small percentage of North Korean officers speak Russian, which could make it difficult for them to work effectively with Russian forces.
North Korea has a history of sending soldiers to support allies, like during the Vietnam War and conflicts in Africa, but this would be a significant shift, marking the first time they are sending thousands of troops to a foreign conflict in recent history.
While the exact impact of this alliance is still uncertain, it could change the dynamics of the war in Ukraine, making it a situation to watch closely.
