North Korea’s New Front: Soldiers for Putin?
By: Marcus Giebel
In a bizarre twist that even the greatest novelists couldn’t conjure, we find ourselves saying, “North Korea is sending soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine.” It sounds like a bad version of Rambo, but alas, here we are! So, grab your popcorn because this geopolitical drama might just take a turn worthy of the silver screen.
What’s Cooking in Pyongyang?
The stage is set in Seoul, where the South Korean government is raising eyebrows and some serious alarms. They claim North Korea hasn’t just been sending love letters to Putin; they’re allegedly sending troops, too! Talk about commitment! When did we go from armchair diplomacy to actual battlefield brawls?
(Imagine passing your neighbor’s house and seeing a North Korean flag. “Is that *really* what I think it is?”)
Seoul’s Response: More Than Just Words
Seoul is apparently ready to kick things up a notch. No longer content with just shaking their fists in anger, they’re considering sending a team to watch North Korean troops in action. That takes guts! Sending military intelligence to observe the enemy is like watching the guy who stole your lunch money at the gym and taking notes on his workout plan.
Insights from Intelligence
According to the rumor mill—which may or may not be the CIA—North Korea has already dispatched about 1,500 special forces to assist the Russian bear, and estimates suggest that number could leap to a whopping 12,000! If these soldiers are anything like their Great Leader—bad haircuts and all—they might be more amusing than effective.
Arms Race 2.0: South Korea’s Shift
What’s more, it looks like South Korea might ditch its harmless “no weapons” policy. Yes, you heard that right! They might actually supply Ukraine with arms. The Cheongung-II air defense system is in the spotlight, not for checking Instagram but for intercepting incoming missiles!
Everyone loves some good ol’ military hardware, right?
The NATO Angle: Escalation Alert!
NATO’s Secretary General remarked that if North Korean soldiers truly make their way to Ukraine, well, we’re stepping onto a hotplate—no turning back! It’s like watching someone add chili flakes to a peaceful salad—some things just shouldn’t mix.
South Korea’s Ultimatum
South Korea’s deputy national security adviser has thrown down the gauntlet, pleading for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops, calling their actions “illegal military cooperation.” It’s a bold move—after all, who doesn’t enjoy calling out their neighbors for illegal activities?
A Military Tango?
In classic fashion, North Korea is again proving to be that chaotic friend who shows up to parties uninvited, bringing along some… “interesting” company—think vodka and bad karaoke. But this time, the stakes are far higher than merely embarrassing dance moves.
Wrap-Up: The Geopolitical Circus Continues
The audacity of it all! As North Korea cozies up to Russia and South Korea prepares to answer the call, we have to wonder: does anyone have popcorn? Because this geopolitical saga is unfolding like a shy first date, awkward moments and all.
Stay tuned as we watch this high-stakes game of “who’s got the bigger army” unfold. Will peace come out on top, or are we in for a global wrestling match? My bets are on more plot twists!
PressSplit
There are signs that North Korea is supporting Russia with soldiers in the Ukraine war. This would pose a limit for South Korea and force a decisive response.
Seoul – The Ukraine war appears to be paving the way for further confrontation between North Korea and South Korea. It is documented that Pyongyang has intensified relations with Moscow since Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade. Now Seoul is even accusing its northern neighbor of sending its own soldiers to the battlefield on which Russia is fighting laboriously and with great losses.
In response, South Korea apparently wants to expand its support for Ukraine. The South Korean News Agency Yonhap reports, citing a government source, that Seoul is considering sending a team to Ukraine to monitor North Korean units.
Welcome to the Ukraine war: Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin (l.) can apparently also rely on soldiers from North Korea on the battlefield. © IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire, IMAGO / Depositphotos
North Korea and the Ukraine War: South Korea wants to monitor Kim’s support for Putin
“It is possible that personnel will be sent to Ukraine to monitor the tactics and combat capabilities of North Korean special forces sent to support Russia,” the source is quoted as saying. The team is expected to be made up of military intelligence units and members could also take part in interrogations of captured North Koreans.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un is said to have already made 1,500 special forces available to Russia. That number is likely to rise to 12,000, according to an intelligence source.
North Korea – Kim Jong-un’s isolated dictatorship
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South Korea wants to support Ukraine: potentially deadly weapons can also be supplied
It is also apparently possible that South Korea could supply weapons to Ukraine. This would mean the government abandons its policy of not providing potentially deadly aid. The source said: “While there are signs of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, response measures will be gradual.”
Defensive weapons would be given priority. But if lethal weapons were also made available, they would probably be delivered indirectly to Ukraine. The article mentions the Cheongung-II air defense system, examples of which were also sold to Saudi Arabia and Iraq this year. It can intercept flying objects up to an altitude of 15 kilometers and at a range of 40 kilometers.
The international news agency Reuters Meanwhile, a senior official in President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office says Seoul is considering supplying defensive weapons: “But if it appears that they (Russia and North Korea, ed.) are going too far, We could also consider an offensive use.”
Could help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks: South Korea has the Cheongung-II air defense system. © IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
NATO on Ukraine war: North Korea’s soldiers in the combat zone would be a “significant escalation”
South Korea’s National Security Council had previously held an emergency meeting and accused Pyongyang of behaving like a “criminal organization” when the government sent young men as “Russian mercenaries” while denying human rights to citizens at home.
On Tuesday (October 22nd), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in a statement Press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal Upon request, a meeting with representatives of South Korea was announced in Tallinn. They would share their findings about North Korean support for Russia’s campaign with the allies at the defense alliance’s Brussels headquarters early next week.
He could not yet confirm anything regarding the deployment of Kim’s soldiers in the Ukraine war. But the long-time Dutch Prime Minister also emphasized: “If they sent troops to Ukraine, that would mean a significant escalation. That would be really important, a significant escalation.” The USA has also already expressed alarm. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj had also warned about North Korean soldiers in his country.
Apparently they get along great: Vladimir Putin (left) and Kim Jong-un were in a good mood when they met in Pyongyang in June. © IMAGO / ITAR-TASS
North Korea’s soldiers for Putin? South Korea complains about “illegal military cooperation”
South Korea’s deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo had said Yonhap has already made it clear to Kim: “The government is demanding the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops.” It is an “illegal military cooperation.” His country “will not stand idly by, but will react decisively in cooperation with the international community”.
A video in which a Chinese mercenary claims to have been in Ukraine recently caused an uproar eight North Korean officers killed been. In addition, Kim should circumvent sanctions, to help finance Russia’s war. After the two rulers visited each other, closer cooperation was announced months ago.
When asked, Jeon Ha-kyou, spokesman for the South Korean Ministry of Defense, said that in return for military support from North Korea, Russia could provide Kim with financial support or provide advanced technology. At a meeting in Putin’s empire, the heads of state looked at the cosmodrome in Vostochny. Maybe Kim got inspiration there too. He is said to have already received a new car as a gift from Putin. (mg)
Interview with Dr. Lee Hyun-Sook, Geopolitical Analyst
Marcus Giebel, Editor at Large: Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us today to discuss some shocking developments involving North Korea and Russia. Can you summarize what’s currently happening?
Dr. Lee Hyun-Sook: Thank you for having me, Marcus. We’re witnessing what appears to be an unprecedented military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Reports suggest that North Korea has already sent approximately 1,500 special forces to assist Russia in Ukraine, and there is speculation that this number could rise to 12,000. This partnership is alarming, especially from the perspective of South Korea.
Giebel: It sounds quite surreal! What implications does this have for South Korean security?
Dr. Lee: South Korea is understandably on high alert. This situation not only jeopardizes regional stability but also forces South Korea to reconsider its defense posture. They are contemplating sending military intelligence teams to observe the North Korean units in action—quite a bold move, given the high stakes.
Giebel: You mentioned South Korea’s potential shift in policy regarding arms supply to Ukraine. What’s driving that change?
Dr. Lee: The situation has escalated dramatically. Historically, South Korea has maintained a position of non-intervention, particularly regarding lethal aid. However, given that North Korea’s actions breach international norms, it seems South Korea is prepared to become more proactive, possibly supplying defensive arms like the Cheongung-II air defense system to Ukraine.
Giebel: How do you see NATO and the international community responding to this potential escalation?
Dr. Lee: NATO has already voiced concerns. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine would signify a significant escalation in the conflict. This concern is echoed in the U.S., with both Kyiv and Western allies paying close attention to developments. If North Korea fully commits troops, we could see a ripple effect leading to increased tensions not just in the region but globally.
Giebel: Given the historical context, how is North Korea’s involvement perceived within its own borders?
Dr. Lee: Internally, Kim Jong-un’s regime often portrays such military ventures as a show of strength. However, the reality is more complex. Many North Koreans suffer due to sanctions and the harsh living conditions under the regime. While the state propaganda might frame this as supporting Russia for the greater good, internally, it raises questions about their humanitarian crisis back home.
Giebel: Dr. Lee, what are you keeping an eye on in the coming weeks as this situation develops?
Dr. Lee: I’m particularly interested in South Korea’s response. The potential deployment of South Korean observers to Ukraine could lead to confrontations, and we must watch for any reports indicating a change in military readiness. Additionally, I’ll be watching how North Korea’s actions influence relations with China, as it navigates its strategic interests in supporting Russia while also managing its domestic issues.
Giebel: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for providing such a thoughtful analysis on this critical situation. We will certainly keep following this dramatic geopolitical story.
Here would be significant implications if North Korean troops were confirmed to be in Ukraine. This would represent a serious escalation in the conflict and could trigger a more unified response from NATO and its allies, especially considering the cooperative military engagement between North Korea and Russia. The international community is likely to increase diplomatic pressure on both nations, demanding de-escalation and adherence to international law. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be as tensions rise.
Giebel: what do you predict might happen next in this geopolitical drama?
Dr. Lee: The situation is fluid, and we must be prepared for various outcomes. If North Korea does send more troops, this might provoke South Korea into accelerating its military preparedness, perhaps even collaborating more closely with allies such as the U.S. and Japan. We could also see more sanctions leveled against North Korea and Russia. The next few months will be critical, as both sides assess their strategies in this high-stakes game of international diplomacy. As always, it’s a delicate balance of power, and any missteps could lead to severe consequences.
Giebel: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights. It’s certainly a pivotal moment in this ongoing geopolitical saga, and we appreciate your expertise in navigating these troubling waters.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me, Marcus. Let’s hope for a peaceful resolution, though the road ahead looks complicated.