North Korea has shipped thousands of containers of weaponry to Russia, intended for use in Ukraine.
North Korean Soldiers Sustained Casualties
This development raises questions about the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the ongoing conflict. Kim Yong-hyun, South Korea's new defense minister, stated on October 8 that it is highly likely that North Korean officers and soldiers have sustained casualties in Ukraine due to various circumstances.
Recent claims from a Ukrainian media outlet suggested that six North Korean officers died during a missile attack in the Donetsk region, which is currently under Russian control, according to L'Independent.
This incident has sparked concerns about the potential deployment of more North Korean troops to assist their Russian allies. Kim Yong-hyun indicated that the possibility of regular troop deployment is very likely due to mutual agreements between Moscow and Pyongyang, resembling a military alliance.
Experts have been warning for months that North Korean missiles are being deployed by Russian forces in Ukraine, despite denials from both Moscow and Pyongyang. Seoul has reported that North Korea has sent a substantial number of arms containers to Russia, aimed specifically for use in the Ukrainian conflict.
A Rare Visit
Both Ukraine and Russia have reportedly enlisted Asian fighters in their ranks, with reports from India and Nepal indicating recruitment campaigns for the Russian military. This further highlights the international implications of the ongoing war.
North Korea, a nuclear-armed nation in East Asia, has strengthened its military ties with Moscow in recent years. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Pyongyang in June to sign a mutual defense agreement with Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader.
Experts are cautioning that the recent uptick in North Korea’s artillery and cruise missile production may be linked to its military support for Russia.
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, explained that for North Korea, which has supplied Russia with numerous shells and missiles, learning to handle various types of weapons and gaining real combat experience is crucial.
The potential dispatch of North Korean soldiers might provide them with valuable training and combat experiences.
Despite being under UN sanctions that prohibit any ballistic weapon testing, Russia has used its veto power in March to end the monitoring system for sanctions against its long-standing ally, allowing North Korea more freedom to assist in the conflict.
