Russia agrees to train North Korean soldiers in war against Ukraine – WSJ
Pravda Ukraine
North Korea has sent a first wave of about 1,000 soldiers to Ukraine as part of a military cooperation agreement with Russia.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, citing a former Russian intelligence officer familiar with the details of the agreement
Details: The publication writes that the agreement between Russia and North Korea was made during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. Initially, North Korea offered artillery shells to Russia in exchange for food and fuel, but the agreement also included a secret clause on sending soldiers. The first wave of about 1,000 North Korean troops was sent to Ukraine to “learn first-hand” what conducting war is like from Russia’s experience.
Most North Korean soldiers are currently stationed at a safe distance from the front lines, the source told the publication. They are being shown how Russian forces handle logistical issues in the combat zone and are learning principles of warfare using drones. The source indicated that there are plans to send even more North Korean soldiers to Ukraine in the future.
Analysts believe these troops could serve various roles, ranging from missile technicians to personnel supporting logistics at the front. According to a senior European intelligence official, Vladimir Putin may also be interested in escalating the conflict on the Korean Peninsula to distract the West and reduce support for Ukraine.
“No drill or exercise can replicate real wartime experience and this could pay dividends in the event a future conflict plays out on the Korean Peninsula,” said Benjamin R. Young, a nuclear security fellow at Rand Corp.
Background:
- On 8 October, the South Korean Ministry of Defence said that North Korea was likely to send some of its regular armed forces to Ukraine in support of Russia.
- On 13 October, Zelenskyy said that North Korea was supplying Russia not only with weapons but also with personnel for its military forces, and called on partners to increase their support for Ukraine. On 14 October, Zelenskyy announced that North Korea had essentially entered the war. On 17 October, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia intends to involve about 10,000 soldiers from North Korea in the war against Ukraine.
- On 18 October, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, confirmed that about 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are currently undergoing training in Russia’s east. They will be ready to take part in combat actions against Ukraine as early as 1 November.
- South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea had sent 1,500 special forces troops to help Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. They have arrived in Russia.
- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that he could not confirm reports that North Korea had sent troops to Russia to take part in the war against Ukraine.
- On 21 October, Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy at the European Commission, said that if reports about North Korean soldiers being deployed to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine are confirmed, it will be further evidence of Russia’s lack of interest in peace.
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