North Korea and Russia's unsettling military pact unfolds
North Korean soldiers sent to assist Russia in the conflict with Ukraine are expected to commence combat operations as early as November, according to Ukraine's representative, Sergiy Kyslytsia, who spoke at the UN forum. On Thursday, he disclosed new details about the plan to deploy these forces.
The first group of about 40 North Korean soldiers is conducting reconnaissance on the front line in the western part of the Kursk region in Russia. Behind the Russian positions, there are already 400 other Koreans. Between 23rd and 28th October, at least seven air transports may have transported 2,100 Korean soldiers from eastern Russia to the border with Ukraine. In the coming days, the Korean contingent in the Kursk region is expected to reach about 4,500 soldiers. In November, they will begin directly participating in combat operations against Ukrainian forces.
These findings were presented to the UN Security Council by Sergiy Kyslytsia Kyslytsia, a diplomat representing Ukraine. The North Korean contingent is reportedly intended to help Russia reclaim territories occupied by Ukraine.
"Subsequently, it is planned to form at least 5 units or formations from DPRK military personnel consisting of 2,000-3,000 servicemen each. The DPRK servicemen are supposed to wear Russian uniforms and use Russian small arms. They will also be provided with Russian identity documents," mentioned Sergiy Kyslytsya. "Notably, to conceal their presence, the DPRK servicemen are expected to be integrated into the Russian units, manned by representatives of ethnic minorities from the Asian part of Russia. Among them, for instance, is the "Special Buryat Battalion" of the 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Russian Airborne Forces," he explained.
"A band of rogues threatening peace"
At the same time, the matter was discussed in Seoul (about 7,000 kilometres east of Ukraine) at the Korean-American security conference. National security adviser Shin Won-sik stated that North Korean leaders are "the worst rogue group that threatens peace beyond the Korean Peninsula and into the world." "Not only has (North Korea) provided large amounts of weapons for Russia's illegal war of aggression, it is now pushing their youth to become mercenaries for Russia," Shin Won-sik said sternly.
Kim Jong Un clearly reacted to these statements. On Thursday, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile towards the East Sea. The test occurred just a few hours after South Korean and U.S. defence officials criticised the North Korean military deployment to aid Russia. This was the first such missile test this year.
Putin and Kim's joint action: Walking on the red carpet
Meanwhile, former North Korean soldiers (those who fled the regime's service) warn that young soldiers from the North will consider the mission an honour and privilege. Travelling abroad will be an opportunity to gain privileges for their families, such as the chance to move to the capital or access better schools.
"They are too young and will not fully understand what this war means. They will simply consider it an honour to be chosen for Russia from among many North Korean soldiers. I think most of them will probably not return home alive," said Lee Woon-gil, a deserter from the regime's military, to the AP agency.
According to South Korean intelligence analyses, Russia will cover all the costs associated with deploying North Korean troops, including their salaries, which are estimated to be at least £1,600 per month per person. About 90% of the earnings are likely to go to Kim's coffers. "This means one year of service in Russia would earn a North Korean soldier $1,200 to $2,400 (€1,100 and €2,200). That’s big enough to prompt many young soldiers to volunteer for risky Russian tours," Lee Woon-gil added.
This is not the end of the warnings about the joint action of Putin and Kim. Ukraine's representative at the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsia, noted that both countries, contrary to their usual practice, have not denied the presence and use of DPRK troops in the war. He suggested that Korean officers who survive the Russian-Ukrainian war and return to their region with unique experience could lead an attack on South Korea. "One may wonder how the Pyongyang regime plans to utilize these experienced units. The truth is that we all know the answer," the Ukrainian said.
"We have heard now and then that Russia would never cross this or that red line of the civilised world. But open your eyes! Russia is not crossing your red lines – it is walking down a red carpet. (...) Russia would go so far as to openly establish a military alliance with the most notorious rogue state," summed up Kyslytsia at the UN.
