Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

WSJ: North Korea sends young, inexperienced, malnourished soldiers to Russia to test ground in Ukraine as “mere cannon fodder”

North Korean troops’ training has mainly focused on mountainous operations against South Korea, leaving them potentially unprepared for the flat borderlands of Ukraine’s front lines.
north korean soldiers receiving military-issued gear base russia october 2024 ukrainian government-run telegram channel spravdi dprk rushka
North Korean soldiers receiving military-issued gear at a base in Russia, October 2024. Screenshot from the Ukrainian government-run Telegram channel Spravdi.
WSJ: North Korea sends young, inexperienced, malnourished soldiers to Russia to test ground in Ukraine as “mere cannon fodder”

The soldiers from North Korea, deployed by Russia for fight against Ukraine, are predominantly young conscripts in their teens or early twenties, rather than seasoned veterans. They are not used to fighting on flat terrain and have a weak physical form from widespread malnourishment in North Korea, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

This comes amid news from Ukrainian intelligence officials that around 11,000 North Korean troops have undergone training in Russia and could engage in the war against Ukraine on 27-28 October. Approximately 3,000 North Korean troops have been already relocated to Kursk Oblast, Russia, a part of which the Ukrainian forces captured in response to the Russian aggression. They could serve as reinforcements for Russian forces facing personnel shortages due to prolonged combat losses.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun characterized these forces as “mere cannon fodder mercenaries,” the Wall Street Journal reports. 

According to intelligence assessments, their special forces training has focused primarily on operations in mountainous terrain against South Korea, which differs significantly from the conditions they would face in Ukraine’s flat borderlands.

 James JB Park, a Kelly Fellow at the Pacific Forum and former South Korean defense official, suggests that Kim Jong Un may be “testing the waters” by initially sending less experienced troops before committing more seasoned forces.

The deployment follows a mutual defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea in June during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. On 25 October, Putin confirmed that using North Korean forces was a Russian decision, while North Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that any troop deployment would comply with international law.

The Ukrainian military has already begun outreach efforts to these troops. Through its “I want to live” Telegram channel, it has released Korean-language videos showcasing prisoner-of-war facilities and encouraging surrender.

According to South Korean intelligence, the deployed troops’ families have been relocated to undisclosed locations to limit information about the deployment. The soldiers themselves have reportedly been issued Russian uniforms and false identities.

South Korea may also consider transferring “offensive” weapons to Ukraine and even send its personnel to interrogate North Korean prisoners of war. 

The deployment could potentially benefit North Korea by providing firsthand experience with modern warfare conditions and drone operations, particularly as Russia has been using North Korean munitions and missiles in the war against Ukraine. 

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!