North Korean military presence in Russia deepens strategic ties

Since high-ranking officials are involved in the North Korean effort in the war in Ukraine, the political significance of this involvement increases. Militarily, however, it will not be a turning point in the war. I believe the most crucial aspect here is Kim Jong Un's political maneuvering, anticipating economic benefits.

This is a response to the latest reports from the Kyodo News agency, indicating that a high-ranking official of the North Korean army and close associate of leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia to supervise the North Korean troops stationed there.

The individual in question is Gen. Kim Jong Bok, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army. During events involving the regime's leader, he often appears right behind the leader, seen with a notebook, showing full engagement, diligently recording Kim's remarks.

South Korean media have unofficially obtained a list of officers commanding the North Korean troops recently sent to Russia. The exact date of General Kim Jong Bok's arrival in Russia is unknown, but it has been confirmed that he was present there on October 24. His presence in Russia was verified by a South Korean delegation during a NATO officials' briefing in Brussels on October 28. The three-star general was identified as the "commander-in-chief" of the North forces in Russia.

Michael Madden, an analyst for the 38 North service on events in North Korea writes that in March this year, Colonel General Kim Jong Bok in Russia was identified as acting deputy chief of the General Staff, placing him in North Korea's high command. Due to this position, he serves as the main advisor to Kim Jong Un on light infantry and special operations. He participated in seven public exercises and inspections of Kim in 2024. Three of these involved special forces exercises, one was an artillery exercise, and the others were related to post-flood reconstruction in North Pyongan Province.

Madden highlights that the exceptional number of special forces exercises already indicated that North Korea would deploy troops to Russia. Gen. Bok, besides his military rank, is also a party dignitary and likely has direct, unrestricted access to the regime leader.

Maden explains that many observers might assume that he would assume the role of field commander. However, why would Kim place a trusted associate in the line of fire? Three-star colonel generals do not typically command brigade-sized units. If Colonel General Kim went to Russia, a more plausible interpretation is that he is overseeing the integration of North Korean special forces into the theatre of operations in Ukraine and consolidating command and control over all North Korean resources on Ukraine's battlefield.

Gen. Bok's first major public appearance was at the so-called loyalty rally in 2015, commemorating the birth anniversary of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Simultaneously, he formally replaced Gen. Choe Kyong Song (likely demoted) as the commander of the 11th Army Corps, a unit known as the "Storm Corps." This Corps is tasked with leading diversionary and attack operations on South Korea.

Estimates of the number of North Korean forces involved in the Russian war range from about 3,500 to 12,000 soldiers. This translates to one to two brigades. Neither the Kremlin nor the North Korean government has denied the deployment of North Korean troops. In Ukraine, among its Western allies, and in South Korea, the presence of Russia's ally has sparked concerns about an escalation in the conflict.

Analysts believe that by providing military support to Russia, Kim Jong Un may hope to access significant technologies, including those that could enhance his nuclear program. The North Korean authorities are concealing the soldiers' participation in the war from their own population, fearing a negative reaction. Pentagon experts have confirmed that about 10,000 North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia and will engage in combat in the coming weeks. They are likely positioned as a force securing positions in the Russian-recaptured Kursk region.