Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia - Ukrain War.
North Korean Troops Join Russia’s Forces, Marking New Escalation in Ukraine Conflict
NATO Confirms North Korean Troops Operating in Russia’s Kursk Region
For the first time, NATO has confirmed that North Korean troops are deployed in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have established a foothold. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made the announcement following a meeting with South Korean security and defense officials, calling it a "significant escalation" in Russia’s war against Ukraine and warning that this cooperation signals a “dangerous expansion” of the conflict.
Amidst weeks of intelligence reports, President Vladimir Putin recently declined to comment on North Korean troop presence in Russia but defended the country’s right to make its own security decisions. The revelation of North Korean forces in Russia follows reports that Pyongyang has already provided Moscow with ballistic missiles and millions of rounds of ammunition for use in Ukraine. In return, Russia has reportedly committed to supplying North Korea with military technology and other support to evade international sanctions.
Western Leaders React to North Korean Troop Presence
The confirmed deployment of North Korean troops in the border region has raised alarms among Western leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it “a grave escalation” and a “threat to global peace” in a social media statement, while the United States and the European Union have pledged to respond to the deepening Russia-North Korea partnership.
Reports suggest North Korea has sent between 1,500 and 10,000 troops, with the US defense department indicating some of these soldiers have already moved closer to the Ukrainian border. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh raised concerns that North Korean forces could engage in direct combat or provide operational support to Russian troops in Kursk. President Joe Biden joined the growing concerns, saying North Korea’s involvement posed "a very dangerous situation."
Intensifying Battle on the Russian-Ukrainian Border
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched bold attacks into Russia’s western regions, claiming roughly 250 square kilometers of territory. Despite this progress, Moscow’s redeployment of thousands of troops has slowed Ukraine’s advance. Now, with the addition of North Korean forces in Kursk, Ukraine faces renewed pressure in this border region.
A Ukrainian official told the New York Times that approximately 5,000 elite North Korean troops are expected to join Russia’s operations in Kursk. President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this concern, suggesting these troops could see battlefield action within days.
Russia and North Korea’s Growing Military Alliance
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their alliance, with Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin reaching agreements on mutual support. The United States has accused North Korea of consistently providing Russia with military hardware, including missiles and launchers. Experts, however, question how effective North Korean troops will be in aiding Russia’s war effort, citing challenges such as language barriers and limited recent combat experience.
Recent footage obtained by Ukrainian defense officials reportedly shows Russian troops doubting the ability of North Korean forces to integrate effectively. While NATO Secretary General Rutte estimates Russian military casualties at over 600,000, Ukrainian President Zelensky noted that around 650,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured, describing dire conditions for Russian forces along the frontlines.
Rising Casualties in a Prolonged Conflict
As the war enters its third year, casualties continue to rise on both sides. Official casualty figures are rare, but Western estimates suggest significantly higher numbers than the last reported figures by each side. An analysis indicates that more than 70,000 Russian troops have been confirmed killed in action, while Zelensky reported that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed as of early 2023.
With North Korean troops now in Russia’s ranks, Western leaders are increasingly worried about the broader implications for global security and the escalation of the conflict.
