North Korea's military aid to Russia sparks global concern
North Korea is supplying Russia with ammunition and military equipment, enabling Moscow to sustain its military actions in Ukraine. At the same time, the former Deputy Minister of Defence of South Korea, Gen. Il Sung, has expressed concern over this development. What could be the repercussions for the world and his country?
Oleh Ivashchenko, the head of Ukrainian foreign intelligence, disclosed in a conversation with the Ukrinform agency that Russia is receiving significant military support from North Korea. This support includes the delivery of ammunition and heavy equipment, enabling the Russian army to maintain its military operations in Ukraine.
Deliveries of ammunition, equipment, and soldiers from North Korea
According to Ivashchenko, since the start of the full-scale war, over six million North Korean artillery shells of calibres 122 mm and 152 mm have been sent to Russia. These are vital for Russian artillery systems, such as the 2S3 Akatsiya and 2S19 Msta. Additionally, North Korea is providing Russia with M1991 multiple rocket launchers and Koksan artillery systems.
Besides equipment, Russia benefits from the assistance of several thousand North Korean soldiers, who have been deployed in Kursk Oblast. Initially, they operated the delivered equipment, but since May, the Koksan artillery systems have been operated by Russians.
Russia is not acting alone. The head of NATO emphasised that Russia is not waging war against Ukraine in isolation. The Secretary General of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, during his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly session in Dayton, highlighted the increasing cooperation between four authoritarian countries: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
- These four countries are acting together – we should not be naïve – he emphasised.
What are the key motivations of the Koreans?
Ivashchenko points out that North Korea's assistance to Russia is not altruistic. In return for military support, Moscow is sharing missile and space technology with Pyongyang. The transfer of technology related to nuclear weapons is also a possibility.
Russia struggles with outdated military equipment. As Ivashchenko highlights, as much as 80% of the Russian equipment used in Ukraine comes from storage and is outdated. Only 20% are modern systems, as confirmed by open-source intelligence analyses.
Does the presence of North Korean troops threaten South Korea and the global order?
The former Deputy Minister of Defence of South Korea, Gen. Il Sung, has expressed concern about the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war in Ukraine. He emphasised that the experience they gain could pose a threat to Seoul. These soldiers, he stated, have "brainwashed minds" and are prepared to act according to Kim Jong Un's orders.
Gen. Il Sung noted that by fighting in Ukraine, North Korean soldiers might acquire new skills and technologies that could be used against South Korea.
- This experience will be very dangerous for South Korea - said the General.
