October 21st 2024.
North Korean soldiers have recently been spotted receiving new uniforms and equipment at a training ground in Russia's far east. This development seems to confirm reports from South Korea's intelligence service that 1500 troops have been sent for military training, with plans to eventually deploy them to the front line in Ukraine. This is seen as a clear indication of the increasingly warm relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In a video shared by the Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security, a long line of soldiers can be seen lining up to receive their new gear. The soldiers can be heard speaking Korean, although the poor audio quality makes it difficult to understand their conversations. Upon arriving in Russia, the North Korean recruits were asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine their sizing for hats, headgear, uniforms, and shoes. The form was written in Russian, with size options listed in Korean.
Another video, geolocated by CNN, shows troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground near Russia's border with China. In the background, a Russian speaker can be heard saying "we can't film them," before adding, "There are more…there are millions of them here. Here are the new reinforcements. This is just the beginning. There are more." This further supports the evidence that North Korea is preparing to play a more direct role in Russia's war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed concern about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea, even warning NATO about the thousands of North Korean troops he believed were on their way to Russia. He shared that he had received intelligence that North Korea was preparing 10,000 soldiers, including land forces and technical personnel, for this purpose. This urgent development has been raised with the US by Zelenskyy.
South Korean media had previously reported that the North was planning to send 12,000 troops, although this number was not confirmed by the national intelligence service. If true, this would mark the first significant intervention by North Korea in an international conflict. Despite having one of the largest militaries in the world, many North Korean troops lack combat experience.
Several governments have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Moscow for the ongoing war in Ukraine, although both countries have denied these claims. However, there is substantial evidence of such transfers taking place. The two nations, both of whom are considered outcasts by the West, have been strengthening their ties since Russia's invasion.
During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in June, the two countries pledged to provide immediate military assistance to each other in case of an attack. This was part of a landmark defence pact between the two autocratic nations. Putin stated that their relationship was reaching a "new level." Prior to their talks, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his support and solidarity for Russia's government, military, and people, specifically mentioning their war in Ukraine to protect their sovereignty, safety, and territorial stability.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
