North Korea preparing to send more troops to Ukraine war, says South Korea
GuardianJan 22
Report: North Korea Plans to Send More Troops to Russia
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Above: An alleged North Korean soldier being held after being captured by the Ukrainian army on Jan. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Social Media/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff has claimed that North Korea is preparing to send additional troops to Russia, following an initial reported deployment of between 10K and 12K soldiers in October.
According to South Korean intelligence, roughly 300 North Korean soldiers have died and 2.7K have been injured in the Ukraine conflict, while Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimates the total casualties to be 4K.
North Korean soldiers, despite being well-trained and disciplined, have reportedly struggled with modern warfare tactics and unfamiliar terrain, often becoming targets for drone and artillery strikes.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
North Korea's military engagement in Ukraine, alongside Russia, enhances its war capabilities with new tech and experience, making it a more formidable threat regionally. This could lead to increased arms sales and influence globally. The international community must take strategic steps toward hindering this new partnership, including tightening sanctions and monitoring tech transfers to prevent further militarization.
Pro-Russia narrative
While North Korea's offer to aid its new military ally is a noteworthy gesture, Russia doesn't need these troops to defeat Ukraine. In 2024, Russia recruited 490K for service, with 450K signing contracts and 40K volunteering. This recruitment pace shows Russia can meet its military needs without external help, emphasizing that homegrown patriotism and wartime readiness is pushing Moscow toward victory.
Narrative C
Despite understandable theories to the contrary, Pyongyang's enhanced ties with Russia and China, coupled with its robust defense industry for arms sales, are not in preparation for war. Other investments, particularly in rural development and tourism, emphasize North Korea's focus on economic matters. Even with North-South provocations, Pyongyang's restraint signals its prioritization of economic progress over conflict.
