**North Korean Troops Join Russia’s War Efforts**
For the first time, North Korea and Russia have openly acknowledged direct military involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine. The shocking admission comes as Ukrainian forces face increasing pressure on their eastern front.
**A New Chapter in Military Cooperation**
Since the start of the war, Russia and North Korea have developed significant military cooperation. Pyongyang has provided Moscow with millions of artillery shells and heavy equipment, with up to one in two Russian artillery shells being of North Korean origin. Additionally, North Korea sent thousands of soldiers for frontline combat operations in Ukraine’s Kursk region.
**Confession and Commemoration**
Russia’s Chief of General Staff, Gerasimov, praised the professionalism of North Korean soldiers during battles near Kursk. Kim Jong-Un also publicly honored fallen North Korean soldiers as heroes, promising state recognition for their sacrifice. A monument is set to be erected in Pyongyang to commemorate their bravery.
**Assessing North Korean Performance**
Ukrainian soldiers have noted that North Korean troops are well-disciplined and skilled fighters against individual opponents. However, their tactics and practices were outdated and led to a nearly 40% casualty rate within the first three months of deployment. Military analysts believe it’s likely that these soldiers won’t be sent back to North Korea anytime soon.
**Redeployment Plans**
Andrii Kovalenko, a senior member of Ukraine’s national defense and security council, warned that Russia is preparing to send its available North Korean contingent to the frontline in eastern and southern Ukraine. The Russians plan to justify this redeployment by citing annexation under Russian law, which only North Korea recognizes. This would allow Pyongyang to claim they’re defending their ally’s borders without formally declaring war on Ukraine.
**A Difficult Decision**
Unfortunately for Russia, Ukrainians are delaying this redeployment, putting the high command in a difficult position. The integration of North Korean forces with Russian units has been successful, but many Russian units are currently engaged in containing a Ukrainian incursion in Belgorod and cannot be redeployed. If Russian commanders decide to redeploy the North Koreans without their Russian comrades, it could lead to heavy losses on both sides.
**A New Asset for Russia**
Despite initial inexperience, North Korean soldiers have had to adapt quickly to survive in combat. This increased skill, combined with their fanatical conviction, makes them a valuable asset to any Russian commander during upcoming summer offensives in the east.
**Escalation and Consequences**
The confirmed involvement of North Korean troops raises questions about further deployment to Eastern Ukraine. If Russia continues down this path, it could lead to a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine by its allies, particularly South Korea, which is willing to counter its main adversary directly and indirectly.
This developing situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by all parties involved in the ongoing conflict. As we continue to report on the frontline, stay informed about what’s happening in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
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