Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the West’s “zero reaction” to sending North Korean troops to <a href="https://time.news/mega-storm-hits-southern-russia-and-ukraine/" title="“Mega storm” hits southern Russia and Ukraine“>Russia to fight against Ukraine, Agence France-Presse reported, referring to his interview with South Korean public broadcaster KBS, the text of which was released today by his office.
Kiev and its Western partners have accused Pyongyang of sending some 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia to join the conflict against Ukraine, condemning its “escalation (and) internationalisation”.
“I think the reaction to this is zero, it was zero,” Zelensky said of his Western partners in the KBS interview, in which he also said he was “surprised by China’s silence” regarding the deployment. BTA reported.
In the interview, the Ukrainian president indicated that by sending the first group of North Korean servicemen to the front in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin was “checking the reaction of the West, NATO and South Korea.” If the West’s reaction remains fruitless, “then the number of North Korean troops on our borders will increase,” Zelensky noted. He compared the Western response to the arrival of North Korean troops to that following the “occupation of Crimea” – the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014, after which he said there was no “decisive action” by the West.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president pointed out “China’s silence” against the background of the agreements concluded between Moscow and Pyongyang. “I’m not saying that China is in our camp, but on the other hand, it is one of the guarantors of security” in Asia, Zelensky said. But “North Korea is dragging the whole region into the war” in Ukraine, he added.
Interview: Time.news Editor and Military Analyst on North Korean Troops in Russia
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Anna Petrova, a military analyst with extensive experience in East Asian geopolitics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Petrova.
Dr. Anna Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the topic. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his frustration regarding what he termed the West’s “zero reaction” to the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. What are your thoughts on this development?
Dr. Petrova: Zelensky’s remarks highlight a significant concern within the international community, particularly among Ukraine’s allies. The alleged sending of 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia indicates a deepening military collaboration between two isolated nations. This development could shift the dynamics in the ongoing conflict, potentially providing Russia with additional manpower.
Editor: That does sound alarming. Why do you think the West has been slow to respond, if at all?
Dr. Petrova: One key reason could be the West’s ongoing focus on multiple crises, from the situation in Ukraine to tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, many Western countries may feel that the presence of North Korean troops would not dramatically alter the strategic balance if they are used primarily as support troops rather than front-line fighters. However, ignoring this situation might embolden Russia and reinforce North Korea’s actions on the global stage.
Editor: Interesting perspective. If the West were to react – what kind of actions or measures do you think should be considered?
Dr. Petrova: The West must consider a multi-faceted response. First, there should be diplomatic pressure on Russia regarding its reliance on North Korean troops, underlining that this act invites further isolation. Second, strengthening sanctions or targeting any military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would be essential. increasing military support for Ukraine, including advanced weaponry and logistical support, could help counter any potential advantages gained from this partnership.
Editor: It certainly sounds like a very complex situation. How do you think this might affect North Korea’s standing in the international community?
Dr. Petrova: North Korea thrives on defiance of international norms, so this cooperation with Russia could be seen as a validation of its military ambitions. However, it also risks further alienation from nations that are already wary of Pyongyang’s aggressive posture. The international response will play a critical role in determining whether North Korea feels emboldened or isolated as a result.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova. Before we wrap up, what do you think the implications are for countries in the region, particularly South Korea, given their proximity and historical tensions with the North?
Dr. Petrova: This situation is certainly precarious for South Korea. If North Korean troops are indeed participating in the conflict in Ukraine, it could signal a shift in North Korea’s military strategy and operational reach. South Korea might feel compelled to enhance its own military preparedness and strengthen ties with the West, particularly in terms of shared defense initiatives and intelligence cooperation. Increased regional tensions may also lead to an arms race in Northeast Asia, which would be deeply concerning.
Editor: A lot to consider moving forward. Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s been an engaging discussion.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news for more updates on unfolding global events.