Ukrainian forces have reportedly engaged North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first known combat involving these units, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation.
Kovalenko stated in a Telegram post on Monday, “The first military personnel of the DPRK have already come under fire in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation,” referring to North Korea by the acronym for its official title, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Ukrainian military intelligence reported last week that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, have been deployed to Russia, with some units already positioned in the Kursk region.
In a meeting in Seoul, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and the EU’s visiting foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed ”serious concerns” about North Korea’s reported troop dispatch and “strongly condemned” it, according to a statement from the South Korean Defense Ministry.
The two agreed to work together with the international community to obstruct Russian-North Korean security cooperation, as noted in the statement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he informed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol that 3,000 North Korean fighters are on “Russian training grounds in the immediate vicinity of the war zone.”
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The U.S. also stated last week that around 8,000 North Koreans were stationed on the border with Ukraine.
On Wednesday, South Korea’s military intelligence agency indicated that an advance unit of North Korean soldiers may have been deployed to the front lines to support Russia’s war effort against Ukraine.
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Seoul reported to South Korean lawmakers during a parliamentary audit that North Korean troops have indeed been deployed to Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
The South Korean intelligence agency noted that it had no information to substantiate claims of North Korean casualties on the front lines. However, it stated that these troops would face challenges due to unfamiliar terrain and different methods of warfare.
“The war is being conducted in the form of drone combat, but North Korean troops have not been supplied with drones and have not been trained adequately, so we anticipate considerable damage,” the agency mentioned.
This assessment of the challenges facing Pyongyang’s forces was echoed by the British Government on Sunday, which stated that Russian and North Korean troops jointly fighting in Ukraine would likely face difficulties collaborating along the front lines.
Experts have commented that due to North Korea’s isolated society, there may be significant issues with communication and cooperation with Russian forces.
“Although North Korean troops are undergoing training at Russian military facilities in the Far East, differences in language, culture, training, and warfighting doctrine could reduce the effectiveness of North Korean forces until they are better integrated with Russian units,” said Andrew Yeo, a senior fellow with the Brookings Institution’s Center for Asia Policy Studies.
Interview: Time.news Editor and Andriy Kovalenko, Head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation
Editor: Welcome, Andriy. Thank you for joining us today. The recent reports of North Korean troops engaging Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region mark a significant development. Can you summarize briefly what happened?
Kovalenko: Thank you for having me. Indeed, this event is quite alarming. Ukrainian forces reportedly engaged military personnel from North Korea for the first time in the Kursk region. Our intelligence has indicated that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, have been deployed to Russia, with some units actively positioned near the front lines.
Editor: This is a surprising and concerning development. What do you believe motivated North Korea to deploy troops in this context?
Kovalenko: North Korea’s involvement seems to be rooted in their desire to support Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They likely see this as an opportunity to strengthen their military alliances and gain a foothold in international military dynamics. Additionally, assisting Russia could help North Korea counter perceptions of its own military capabilities, showing its willingness to engage in international conflict.
Editor: Given the historical tensions between North Korea and other nations, how do countries like South Korea and the EU view this troop deployment?
Kovalenko: South Korea, in particular, has expressed serious concerns regarding North Korea’s troop dispatch. In recent discussions, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, condemned the troop deployment and agreed to enhance cooperation to prevent deeper security collaborations between Russia and North Korea. This sentiment reflects broader international unease about potential escalations in the region.
Editor: What implications does this have for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
Kovalenko: The presence of North Korean troops could significantly alter the dynamics on the battlefield. Their involvement may provide logistical support and combat assistance to Russian forces, potentially prolonging the conflict and increasing casualties. For Ukraine, this means a need to reassess its military strategies to adapt to the involvement of a new player in this complex theater.
Editor: You mentioned that President Zelensky has communicated this new threat to international partners, including South Korea. How critical is international support for Ukraine right now?
Kovalenko: International support is crucial for Ukraine at this moment. As the situation evolves with the involvement of North Korean forces, we must enhance our collaborative efforts with allies and partners around the world. Securing military aid, intelligence support, and diplomatic backing is vital to counteract these new challenges.
Editor: It seems like a pivotal moment not just for Ukraine, but for international relations as a whole. What are your thoughts on what should be the next steps for Ukraine and its allies in light of this latest development?
Kovalenko: First and foremost, intelligence sharing and diplomatic pressure against North Korea is essential to deter future troop deployments. Ukraine will need to bolster its defenses, and it’s crucial for our allies to provide the support necessary to counter any escalations. Ultimately, fortifying a united front against this emergence of North Korean military involvement will be key to our resilience in this less predictable landscape.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Andriy. It’s been an informative conversation, and we appreciate your efforts in keeping us updated on these pivotal developments.
Kovalenko: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to keep a close watch on these events as they unfold.