This past week, North Korean state media reported that young individuals, including students and youth league officials, are signing petitions with the aim of joining or returning to the army. This activity was noted in a photo disseminated by the Korean Central News Agency, although the location remains undisclosed.
On Friday, the military in South Korea announced suspicions that North Korea may be readying more of its forces for deployment to Russia to aid in the combat against Ukrainian troops, despite the losses it has already incurred. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), it has been four months since troop dispatches began, and given the casualties and reports of prisoners, it is believed that North Korea is ramping up its preparations for additional troop deployments.
Although the JCS did not elaborate on the specific follow-up actions North Korea might undertake, they indicated that the nation is also working on launching a spy satellite and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), albeit without immediate indications of execution. This month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking a notable occasion as it was the first instance of Ukraine taking North Korean troops alive since their involvement in the war last autumn.
Approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russian troops in the western Kursk region, as assessed by Ukrainian and Western sources, particularly following a surprise encroachment by Ukraine last year. Reports suggest that over 3,000 of these soldiers have either been killed or wounded in the conflict thus far. Initially, both Moscow and Pyongyang attempted to downplay reports regarding the deployment; however, in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia, while a North Korean official asserted that such deployments were lawful. This burgeoning partnership arises on the heels of Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, where a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” was established, including provisions for mutual defense.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
Sending North Korean troops to Russia is a slap in the face to all those fighting for Ukraine's freedom. Don't let the world forget this injustice.
Eugene Alta
We need to be aware of Western propaganda that portrays North Korea's involvement as the work of a tyrannical regime. Their motives are much more nuanced than simple allegiance to Russia.
BuggaBoom
Is this the beginning of a new Cold War? The implications of aligning with an aggressive dictator like Putin are terrifying.
Noir Black
It's chilling to imagine how many North Korean soldiers have already died in this senseless conflict. Their lives are being wasted for Putin's ambitions.
Mariposa
Don't be fooled by attempts to demonize North Korea's decision. This is a tactical move that strengthens their geopolitical position on the world stage.