12,000 North Korean troops to aid Russia in Ukraine conflict
The military cooperation agreement between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) includes a secret clause involving the deployment of 12,000 North Korean soldiers to participate in the war in Ukraine, according to reports by "The Wall Street Journal," which cites sources within Russian intelligence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to North Korea in June to negotiate a deal with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un focused on military collaboration. "The Wall Street Journal" has disclosed new information regarding the agreement's details.
The American newspaper, referencing its sources in Russian intelligence, claims that the agreement includes a secret clause that stipulates 12,000 North Korean soldiers will aid Russia in the war in Ukraine. The Pentagon confirms evidence of some of these soldiers in the Russian Federation.
"WSJ" reports that most of the DPRK troops are stationed in secure areas along the front line to observe Russian logistics operations and familiarize themselves with the principles of drone warfare.
Increased tensions benefit Russia
Benjamin R. Young, a nuclear security expert at Rand Corporation, discussed with the American newspaper how Pyongyang is taking advantage of this situation to learn about conducting an artillery war of attrition. Real-life wartime experience surpasses any training ground exercises.
As "WSJ" notes, this strategy aims to prepare North Korea for a potential conflict with its southern neighbour. The escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula benefits Vladimir Putin because it could distract the U.S. from Ukraine.
Experts suggest that North Korean forces are unlikely to change the dynamics on the Ukrainian front significantly. However, North Korea's involvement may complicate Kyiv's efforts to supply weapons to Russian troops, which was reportedly another aspect of the regimes' cooperation.
