The presence of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine has raised many tactical and military questions. North Korea had never sent troops into combat abroad out of fear that they might defect or make unflattering comparisons. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously mentioned a North Korean deployment in Kursk, equipped with Russian uniforms and trained in artillery, drones, and infantry operations, indicating Moscow’s intention to use them in frontline operations. South Korean analysts believe they are special forces rather than cannon fodder and suggest that North Korea must showcase the combat effectiveness and operational capabilities of its soldiers.
There are roughly 10,000 to 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine, equivalent to current Russian losses in about 10 days of fighting. Some argue that more North Koreans may be required if Russia is facing manpower issues. North Korean special operations forces are known for their ability to endure harsh conditions and strong mental resilience. The language barrier between Russian and North Korean soldiers may present challenges during combat operations, and questions remain about their organizational structure and tasks. Ukrainian intelligence has reported that the North Koreans arrived in Russia with 500 officers and three generals.
North Korean special forces are primarily trained to prevent a coup d’etat at home, with a complicated chain of command. The cumbersome system may need to be modified for the war in Ukraine, but changes would require the personal agreement of Kim Jong Un. North Korean troops have not fought since 1953 and may struggle against Ukrainians who have been at war for over two years. Despite North Korea’s military focus on mass mobilization, their outdated tactics may not be effective against more modern military strategies.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine will be monitored and analyzed for valuable lessons on modern combat, including the integrated use of drones, missiles, electronic warfare, and countering air defenses. North Korea may benefit from the insights gained from captured Western weapons in Ukraine. In turn, Seoul sees an opportunity to acquire intelligence on North Korea, as the pandemic-related border closure has reduced the number of refugees from the North reaching the South, who are a primary source of information for Seoul about its neighbor.
Overall, the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine alongside Russians raises questions about their effectiveness, objectives, and logistical challenges. The deployment of North Korean special forces in a foreign conflict marks a significant departure from their previous isolationist stance. The outcome of this deployment will be closely monitored for valuable lessons in modern combat tactics and strategies, both for North Korea and other countries involved in the conflict. The organizational structure, coordination, and communication between Russian and North Korean forces remain unclear, posing potential challenges during combat operations. Ultimately, the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine represents a complex and evolving dynamic with implications for military strategy and diplomacy in the region.
