North Korean Troops Expected to Join Russia in Ukraine Conflict

• Nov 25, 2024

Around 10,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia are expected to join combat operations in Ukraine soon, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Speaking during a visit to Fiji on November 24, Austin explained that the troops had been integrated into Russian military units near Ukraine’s border and were likely preparing for imminent deployment.

“Based on their training and integration into Russian formations, I fully expect to see them engaged in combat soon,” Austin stated. However, he clarified that there is no confirmed evidence yet of their direct involvement in fighting.

North Korea’s Compensation Raises Concerns

The deployment of North Korean troops appears to be part of a broader agreement between Pyongyang and Moscow. Reports suggest North Korea may have received payments and advanced military technologies, such as missile systems and reconnaissance satellites, in exchange for its support.

The UK-based Open Source Centre recently revealed satellite imagery showing North Korea received over 1 million barrels of oil from Russia since March 2024. These transfers violate UN sanctions, which restrict the sale of oil to North Korea to small amounts as part of efforts to curb its nuclear weapons program.

South Korean intelligence has also reported that each North Korean soldier deployed to Russia is being paid approximately $2,000. For the average North Korean citizen, this sum equals about 83 years of wages. Analysts believe these funds will bolster the regime’s military and domestic programs.

Escalating Tensions on the Frontlines

This development comes amid warnings from Ukraine that Russia is mobilizing a force of 50,000 troops to retake parts of the Kursk region. The area was partially occupied by Ukraine following a rapid offensive in August 2024.

Earlier reports from Bloomberg suggested that Pyongyang had offered to send up to 100,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort. These moves highlight growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, raising alarm among Western nations and further escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.

As the situation unfolds, global leaders are closely monitoring the potential involvement of North Korean forces, which could significantly impact the dynamics of the war in Ukraine.