South Korea has made a significant accusation, claiming that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. According to South Korean defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, these troops are not only present on the frontlines but some have already died, with more expected to join. This assertion further complicates the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which has strengthened since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The claim was made during a parliamentary session in Seoul on October 8, 2024, where Kim suggested that North Korea’s military involvement was a result of a defense pact signed between Moscow and Pyongyang in June 2024. This agreement deepened the nations' ties, likening their relationship to a military alliance. The pact involves mutual military support if either country faces an attack.
North Korea promised to defend Russia in case of aggression and vise versa according to the treaty signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un today. It might mean the arrival of armies of heavily armed & fanatical North Koreans to Crimea, other occupied parts of Ukraine, and NATO borders. pic.twitter.com/3yeveUxkFN
— Viktor Kovalenko (@MrKovalenko) June 19, 2024
Seoul’s defense chief also reported that Ukrainian forces have already inflicted casualties on North Korean troops fighting in the war. While the exact number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine remains unclear, there are indications that the Kim regime may deploy even more personnel as the conflict drags on. South Korean intelligence suggests that Russia is likely using North Korean soldiers to supplement its depleted ranks, as it faces ongoing manpower shortages in Ukraine.
The collaboration between Russia and North Korea has been growing steadily. In addition to sending troops, Pyongyang has reportedly been supplying munitions to Moscow. This supply line became increasingly crucial for Russia, especially as international sanctions and battlefield losses began to strain its resources. In return, North Korea is believed to be receiving food, energy, and possibly military technology, further strengthening its oppressive regime.
⚡️SONDAKİKA:
Kuzey Kore bir ay içinde, Rus Ordusuna destek için Ukrayna'ya asker gönderecek .
@ Kiev postası
İmzalanan savunma anlaşmasına göre her iki ülke de savaş durumunda birbirine destek verecek pic.twitter.com/x3rSFg4iWW
— Partizan (@aforizmrus) June 26, 2024
North Korea’s support for Russia in Ukraine adds a dangerous layer to an already complex geopolitical situation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other Western officials have expressed concern about the deepening ties between the two rogue nations. Blinken warned that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang represents a growing and dangerous relationship that could have far-reaching consequences for global security.
This development comes amid heightened global tension, particularly in East Asia, where North Korea’s frequent missile tests have escalated regional concerns. By sending troops to Ukraine, Kim Jong-un's regime signals its willingness to openly support Vladimir Putin's ambitions, which could have ripple effects in its relations with neighboring countries, particularly South Korea and Japan.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, foreign fighters have become an increasingly common sight on both sides of the conflict. Russia has relied on mercenaries from the Wagner Group and troops from countries like Syria and North Korea. Ukraine, too, has called upon international volunteers, making the war a battleground for global forces.
While the Kremlin has not confirmed Seoul’s allegations, the presence of North Korean soldiers would align with reports of the two nations collaborating more closely in the military domain. For now, Seoul’s claims remain a critical issue, raising questions about how far Kim Jong-un is willing to go to back Putin, and what implications this could have for the broader conflict in Ukraine.
