Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov on October 10 rejected reports suggesting the presence of North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, calling them “fake news.” In early October, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun had mentioned that North Korea was likely planning to send troops to support Russia.
According to Ukrainian media, North Korean soldiers were killed and wounded in the Donetsk region, occupied by Russia. Six reportedly died and three were injured in a missile attack. According to experts, the deployment of these soldiers could be an opportunity for North Korea to gain practical military experience.
In addition, there have been previous reports of the presence of North Korean personnel in reconstruction efforts in the Donbas and plans to send military trainers to Russia. Both countries signed a mutual defense agreement during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang earlier this year.
Russia and North Korea have strengthened their military cooperation amid the war in Ukraine, and there has been speculation about the involvement of North Korean soldiers in activities such as launching ballistic missiles.
It is common for mercenaries or foreigners to fight alongside the ranks of Russia, but if it is possible that the North Koreans are on the ground, it would be the first time that a foreign government officially sends troops to support Moscow’s war. To a large extent, the decision would be due to the good bilateral relationship between both countries, even more so after Kim described Putin as his “closest comrade” in a birthday message sent this week.
Without a doubt, working together in the war against Ukraine allows North Korea to test its weapons and gain combat experience for its troops, beyond strengthening its position as a powerful international ally. Additionally, in June both leaders signed a mutual aid agreement (and a secret arms deal) during Putin’s state visit to North Korea.
You may be interested: North Korea could send troops to Ukraine to support Russia in its war with Ukraine
Fuente: Kyiv Independent
