Kim Jong Un Sends Special Forces To Russia For Training

As the war in Ukraine drags on, a surprising new player is emerging on the battlefield: North Korea.

Recent intelligence reports suggest that Pyongyang is gearing up for a much more hands-on role in the conflict, with around 1,500 North Korean special forces reportedly being sent to Russia for training. These troops are just the first wave of what could eventually be a force of 12,000 North Korean soldiers heading to support Russia’s war efforts.

This marks a significant shift from North Korea’s previous involvement, which had been limited to supplying military hardware, such as artillery shells and short-range ballistic missiles.

Now, North Korea seems ready to escalate its support for Moscow, and this move has certainly not gone unnoticed.

Both South Korea and the United States have voiced their concerns, warning that this development could lead to a dangerous escalation with global consequences.

Here’s what we know on the matter so far.

North Korea’s Evolving Role

For months, North Korea has been quietly assisting Russia’s war effort by sending millions of artillery shells and other munitions. However, Pyongyang’s decision to deploy ground troops signals a major escalation.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) in South Korea recently reported that the first 1,500 North Korean special forces fighters had already arrived in Russia’s Far East for training, with some evidence pointing to preparations for direct combat deployment.

These troops were spotted at a military training facility near Russia’s border with China, and satellite imagery confirmed signs of new military activity in the area, such as trenches and training exercises with armored vehicles.

Russia deploys North Korean soldiers at frontlines of the war against Ukrainian forces.

According to South Korean intelligence agencies more than 1500 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia and North Korea intends to send almost 12,000 soldiers to Russia.… pic.twitter.com/d5TKa6sq0j

— Global Defense Agency (@Defense_GDA) October 22, 2024

While North Korea has a large military—reportedly over a million soldiers—its troops lack combat experience, especially in a conflict as intense as the war in Ukraine. For North Korea, deploying these troops presents an opportunity to gain invaluable battlefield experience and potentially refine its own military strategies.

The special forces units being sent are considered “elite,” and analysts suggest that if they do engage in combat, they will come back more dangerous and better prepared to handle future conflicts.

The Global Response: A Growing Concern

Unsurprisingly, the potential deployment of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine has raised alarm bells around the world.

South Korea has been particularly vocal, with its National Security Office calling the situation a “significant security threat.”

The South Korean government quickly summoned Russia’s ambassador to express its disapproval, arguing that any deployment of North Korean troops would violate UN Security Council resolutions.

Seoul is now considering various responses, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures, depending on how events unfold. There is also talk of South Korea reconsidering its stance on sending lethal aid to Ukraine, a move that could further escalate tensions.

The United States has also reacted strongly.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed deep concern, noting that the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine could have serious implications, not just for Europe but for the Indo-Pacific as well.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned that if North Korean troops do indeed enter the conflict, they would be considered “fair game” and legitimate military targets.

This stance highlights the potential risks of further entangling countries in a war that is already reshaping the global security landscape.

What’s in It for North Korea?

So why would North Korea go to such lengths to support Russia’s war in Ukraine?

For Pyongyang, there are several potential benefits. The most obvious is gaining battlefield experience for its troops, especially its special forces.

Engaging in a conflict like the war in Ukraine allows North Korean soldiers to hone their skills, learn new tactics, and test their military equipment in a real-world setting.

This could significantly enhance the capabilities of North Korea’s military, making it a more formidable force in the future, particularly on the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, North Korea is likely to gain valuable resources from this arrangement.

While cash and food are the most probable forms of compensation, there is also the potential for North Korea to receive advanced military technology.

Moscow might be willing to share certain capabilities—whether it’s reconnaissance satellite technology, aircraft designs, or even help with missile development—as part of the deal for North Korea’s support.

The Risks of Escalation

With North Korean soldiers potentially entering the conflict, the war in Ukraine is poised to become even more complicated.

Russia’s alliance with North Korea has been steadily growing since the war began, and the two countries signed a defense pact in June, pledging mutual military support in the event of an attack on either nation.

This newfound camaraderie between two heavily sanctioned countries only adds to the complexities of international diplomacy.

For South Korea, the stakes are especially high.

The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most militarized regions in the world, with tensions already heightened due to recent rhetoric from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has expanded missile programs and conducted provocative military activities.

⚡️ South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has “detected the transport of North Korean special forces to Russian territory using Russian naval transport ships,” confirming the start of North Korea’s military involvement.https://t.co/wdg5NFDs7n

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) October 18, 2024

The idea of North Korean soldiers gaining combat experience in Ukraine and potentially bringing those skills back home raises serious concerns for Seoul.

The broader international community also has reason to worry.

With Russia relying more on unconventional alliances and military support from countries like North Korea, the conflict could set a troubling precedent.

If North Korea’s involvement proves effective, it could inspire other nations to offer similar support, thereby complicating efforts to bring the war to a peaceful resolution.

A Watershed Moment?

North Korea’s potential intervention in Ukraine could mark a turning point in the conflict.

For decades, North Korean troops have remained largely within the borders of their own country, with only limited involvement in overseas conflicts.

Their active participation in a high-stakes war like this one would be unprecedented and could have far-reaching consequences.

Analysts warn that if North Korean troops succeed in Ukraine, they could gain not only battlefield experience but also a boost in international recognition. This could embolden Pyongyang to send troops to other conflicts in the future, creating a “supply chain” of well-trained soldiers for various international hotspots.

Such a development could dramatically reshape how we view global conflict dynamics and military alliances.

Final Thoughts

The possibility of North Korean troops joining the war in Ukraine adds a new layer of complexity to an already convoluted conflict. As Pyongyang steps up its support for Moscow, the world will be watching closely to see how this affects the balance of power on the battlefield.

The stakes are high, and the risks of escalation are real.

For countries like South Korea and ours, the United States, North Korea’s involvement signals a need to rethink their strategies and prepare for a potentially new phase of the war.

While it remains to be seen what impact North Korean troops will have on the battlefield, one thing is clear: the war in Ukraine is evolving, and with it, the global stakes are RISING.