2024-10-25 10:48:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects Russia to use North Korean soldiers in its war of aggression from Sunday or Monday. “This is a clear escalation,” said Zelenskyj on the short message service X. He cited intelligence information according to which the soldiers would be deployed in the combat zone from October 27th or 28th. This clearly shows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intention to continue the war.
The Kremlin chief did not deny the reports about the transfer and training of North Korean soldiers and referred to military cooperation agreed with Pyongyang. “That is why a principled and strong response from world leaders is essential,” demanded Zelensky. There needs to be noticeable pressure on Moscow and Pyongyang.
Putin had previously said that it was Russia’s business who it cooperated with. These are sovereign states. Russian state media also quoted Putin as saying that Ukraine also chooses its partners in the West. “We are repeatedly told that it is up to Ukraine how it ensures its security – with or without NATO,” Putin said.
According to findings from the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR, the first soldiers from North Korea have arrived in the embattled Russian region of Kursk. The units had previously been trained at military training areas in eastern Russia, the secret service said in its Telegram channel. Their arrival in the Kursk area, where Ukrainian troops have occupied dozens of towns since their invasion at the beginning of August, was registered on Wednesday.
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. Russia and North Korea will decide on military aid in due course, Putin said on Friday. According to him, a bilateral agreement provides for the possibility of military assistance. The Kremlin chief emphasized that it was Russia’s sovereign decision to use this opportunity.
Putin also said on state television on Friday that Russia would not make any concessions in the conflict with Ukraine. It is currently too early to negotiate any agreements with the government in Kiev. Putin said Ukraine had twice rejected Russian initiatives for a ceasefire.
In Kursk, the North Koreans could support Russian troops in their fight to liberate the region from Ukrainian units. At the end of the BRICS summit in Kazan on Thursday, Putin said that Russia and North Korea had concluded an all-encompassing agreement on their strategic partnership, which also included military cooperation. Mutual assistance was also agreed in the event that a country is attacked.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that there are currently around 12,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, including 500 officers and 3 generals from Pyongyang. Kiev fears that the troops will be used in the invasion of Ukraine – for Pyongyang also with the aim of gaining experience in modern warfare. The USA, however, reported that it had knowledge of 3,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia. However, it is unclear what purpose they are there for.
According to information from Kiev, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov will be responsible for coordinating the operation. Experts had previously pointed out problems, including, above all, language barriers. The North Koreans were provided with ammunition, bed linen, winter clothing and shoes as well as hygiene products, including 50 meters of toilet paper and 300 grams of soap per month, the HUR in Kiev said.
The German Foreign Office assesses a possible deployment of North Korean soldiers on Russia’s side in the war of aggression against Ukraine as a “clear escalation,” as a ministry spokeswoman in Berlin says. “We call on the North Korean side not to contribute to this and to refrain from doing anything in this direction,” she added.
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Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elena Kostyuk on the Situation in Ukraine
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kostyuk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently warned of an imminent deployment of North Korean soldiers to the front lines against Ukraine. What do you make of this development?
Dr. Kostyuk: Thank you for having me. President Zelensky’s statements indicate a serious concern about an escalation in the conflict. The involvement of North Korean soldiers, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in the dynamics of the war. This suggests not only that Russia is willing to deepen its military ties with North Korea but also that it is prepared to use foreign troops to sustain its aggression against Ukraine.
Interviewer: Zelensky described this as a “clear escalation.” In what ways could this change the nature of the conflict?
Dr. Kostyuk: The introduction of North Korean forces could bring about several changes. First, it could bolster the manpower available to Russia, which has been struggling with troop losses. Second, North Korean military tactics and strategies may differ significantly from those of Russian forces, potentially creating unexpected challenges for Ukrainian defenses. Lastly, this move could galvanize international support for Ukraine, as it draws attention to Russia’s increasingly desperate measures and partnership with a regime known for its human rights abuses.
Interviewer: The Kremlin has stated that military cooperation with North Korea is a matter of sovereignty. How do you think this will affect international responses?
Dr. Kostyuk: The Kremlin’s stance underscores its determination to pursue its own interests, irrespective of international condemnation. However, this collaboration could attract a stronger response from global leaders. Zelensky’s call for a principled and strong response may resonate within Western nations, who might see this as a breach of international norms. Increased sanctions or military aid to Ukraine could be on the table as a response to this partnership.
Interviewer: Putin has also emphasized that negotiations are currently not on the table. What implications does this have for future peace efforts?
Dr. Kostyuk: Putin’s refusal to negotiate reflects a broader commitment to his military objectives in Ukraine. This hardline approach diminishes the prospects for immediate peace talks and prolongs the conflict. Without diplomatic efforts, we could see an escalation in military actions from both sides, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Interviewer: Lastly, what should the international community prioritize in light of these developments?
Dr. Kostyuk: The international community must act swiftly to apply pressure on both Russia and North Korea. This includes strengthening sanctions against both countries, increasing military aid to Ukraine, and rallying diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia further. Engaging in dialogues with allies about defensive strategies and readiness is also crucial to ensure that Ukraine receives the support it needs during this precarious time.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kostyuk, for your insights on this evolving situation.
Dr. Kostyuk: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative we remain informed and responsive during these critical times.
A unified international front against Moscow’s actions highlights the need for a coordinated effort among allies to address this escalating situation. Countries like Germany have already expressed their concerns, labeling the potential deployment as a “clear escalation.” Ultimately, how the international community responds will be crucial in either deterring further aggression or inadvertently encouraging it.
Interviewer: What would be the potential implications for North Korea’s military capabilities and its standing on the global stage if they engage directly in this conflict?
Dr. Kostyuk: If North Korean troops are actively engaged in combat, it could provide them with valuable real-world experience and operational insights that they currently lack, especially in modern warfare contexts. This interaction with Russian forces might also embolden North Korea’s military ambitions and enhance its standing with Russia, potentially leading to deeper military cooperation beyond this conflict. However, it could also further isolate Pyongyang internationally, leading to severe backlash and sanctions from the West.
Interviewer: what steps should Ukraine take to counter this development?
Dr. Kostyuk: Ukraine must focus on strengthening its defensive capabilities and seeking immediate support from its allies. Increasing arms supplies, bolstering intelligence sharing, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to isolate both Russia and North Korea are essential strategies. Additionally, it’s vital for Ukraine to maintain public awareness of these developments, as international pressure can play a significant role in influencing political calculus in Moscow and Pyongyang.