North Korea Gearing Up to Supply More Soldiers, Drones to Russia, Says South
In a major ramping up of its commitment to the conflict in Ukraine, North Korea is set to send further soldiers and more sophisticated weaponry, such as kamikaze drones, to help Russia continue its war with Ukraine, according to a statement from the military in South Korea on 23 December.
Deployment of North Korean Personnel
Thousands of North Korean forces are already stationed in the country. Recently, ground assault operations were reported active in the Kursk Oblast region, according to reports, with both North Korean and Russian soldier involvement in the region being a key area in fighting.
According to a report from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), intelligence assessments indicate that North Korea is planning to continue tdeployingtroops and equipment. TThismove may include rotating or increasing the number of troops in Russia. As part of this process, North Korea has also offered heavy artillery support, such as 240-millimeter rocket launchers and 170-millimeter self-propelled artillery, which have been sent to Russian forces.
A Shift in Military Co-operation: Kamikaze Drones
Perhaps more disturbingly, Pyongyang seemed to be readying up its production and supply of 'kamikaze' or 'suicide drones'. These drones were first reportedly seen during a visit to the country by its Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, in late November, when he inspected the achievements of the country's 'kamikaze' drone program. The JCS report indicates that the North Korean regime is indeed shifting towards increasing its production and supply of these drones, which would significantly advance Russian forces' tactical capability on the battlefield.
Strategic Goals Behind Military Aid
North Korea's deepening military alliance with Russia is based on strategic objectives on both sides. For Pyongyang, this step is part of a broader campaign to gain battle experience and modernize its arms. North Korea wants to boost its operational capability and acquire advanced combat tactics from Moscow.
Apart from drones and artillery, North Korea has been a major supplier of ballistic missiles and artillery ammunition to Russia. In June, the two states legalized their military cooperation with a defense treaty in which both nations pledged to provide military aid in case of an attack against the other. The agreement made North Korea a foremost ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Casualties and Influence on North Korean Soldiers
The collaboration between Russia and North Korea is not without casualties. The use of North Korean ground soldiers in attacks has been well reported by Ukrainian officials. The death toll from this fighting is estimated at 100 North Korean soldiers or more, who are claimed to have died in battles in support of Russia. Casualties are high and attributed to the inexperience of the troops in more advanced ways of warfare, such as drones.
The Ukrainian government has noted that Russia is looking to diminish the number of North Korean casualties, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claiming that Moscow is trying to hide information on the losses experienced by North Korean forces.
A New Phase in the Conflict
As Russia continues to experience critical challenges in Ukraine, growing North Korean troops and weaponry enter a new phase of conflict. North Korea's commitment to providing direct military support only strengthens its alliance with Russia while complicating the efforts by Ukraine and its allies to push back against Russian advances.
The situation remains fluid, as North Korea will likely continue supporting Russia in the coming months. The full extent of this military cooperation between the two countries will likely leave deep marks on the war in Ukraine and on broader geopolitics in the region.
0 Comments