North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war has deepened, marked by military support to Russia and diplomatic alignment against the West. The role of North Korea in the Ukraine war has raised international scrutiny.
North Korea’s Alliance with Russia
In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty, including a mutual defense pact. North Korea has described its alliance with Russia as “very effective” in countering the U.S. and its allies. However, neither North Korea nor Russia has acknowledged Pyongyang’s involvement in the Ukraine war, including reports of troop deployments and weapons transfers.
The Role of North Korea in the Ukraine War
Reports indicate that Pyongyang has deployed over 10,000 troops to assist Russia in the Ukraine war, with significant losses already reported. U.S. and South Korean officials claim that Pyongyang has supplied Russia with thousands of artillery rounds, anti-tank rockets, howitzers, and rocket launchers to support military operations. This aid likely comes in exchange for economic or military assistance from Moscow. These developments highlight the deepening role of North Korea in the Ukraine war dynamics.
Heavy North Korean Losses in the Ukraine War
At least 100 North Korean troops have reportedly been killed, with another 1,000 injured in fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The casualties are attributed to the troops’ lack of experience with drone warfare and unfamiliarity with open terrain.
South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun noted that Kim Jong Un is personally overseeing training for additional troop deployments. These developments underscore the challenges faced by North Korean forces in the Ukraine war efforts, despite their large numbers, as they adapt to new combat conditions.
Pyongyang’s Blame on the West
North Korea has consistently blamed NATO and the U.S. for the Ukraine conflict, accusing them of prolonging the war and destabilizing global security. Pyongyang dismissed recent Western criticism of its alliance with Russia, labeling it as “slanderous.” It has defended its cooperation with Moscow as legitimate and necessary to counter Western “hegemony-oriented” policies.
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