DPRK - World War III.2
Military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is rapidly expanding, with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arriving in Pyongyang on Friday, according to Russian state media. Belousov was welcomed by North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol. Belousov highlighted the rapid growth of bilateral relations, particularly defense collaboration, under the strategic partnership treaty signed in June by Russia and North Korea's leaders. No also emphasized the importance of military ties, calling enhanced cooperation a top priority.
Russia invited North Korean forces to its event to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II next year. A visit to Moscow by the North Korean leader to lead the North Korean military for the event seemed likely.
The high-level visit also included talks with senior North Korean military and political officials. This development came amid growing concerns over North Korea's deployment of more than 10,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region to support Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine.
In 2024, North Korea deepened its support for Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This support is both military and diplomatic, with North Korea reportedly providing Russia with large amounts of artillery shells and other military supplies, which are crucial for Russia's sustained efforts in Ukraine. In exchange, North Korea is receiving food, energy supplies, and potentially military technology from Russia. This growing partnership is rooted in their shared opposition to Western influence and sanctions.
One of the most significant developments in 2024 was the signing of a new strategic partnership treaty between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This treaty pledges mutual defense assistance in case either nation is attacked, marking a formal intensification of their relationship. The pact reflects both nations' desire to strengthen military and strategic cooperation, particularly as they face increasing isolation on the global stage due to sanctions and international condemnation.
In addition, reports indicate that North Korea may have sent thousands of troops, including special forces, to assist Russia in the war, potentially escalating the conflict further. This military cooperation also includes other exchanges, such as space and missile technology, with Russia allegedly helping North Korea with its satellite program.
This partnership raised significant concerns in the West, with NATO and the U.S. warning that such alliances could destabilize the global security landscape, especially as both nations work to undermine sanctions and bolster each other’s defense capabilities.
Speculation about North Korea’s alleged move to directly enter the Ukraine conflict originated in a report by South Korean broadcaster TV Chosun 21 June 2024, which cited an anonymous ROK government official’s claim that Pyongyang plans to dispatch military engineers to aid construction efforts in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said 25 June 2024 "that's certainly something to keep an eye on. I think that if I were North Korean military personnel management, I would be questioning my choices on sending my forces to be cannon fodder in an illegal war against Ukraine. " But Shreyas Reddy of NK News wrote "While Russia and DPRK are boosting military ties, reports that Pyongyang said it will send troops within month are false".
DPRK has significantly boosted its economy and made Kim’s regime stronger as a result of delivering military equipment to the Russian Federation. This was reported by Bloomberg 26 July 2024. “North Korea’s economy roared back to life as arms transfers with Russia provided support for Kim Jong Un’s regime, allowing the leader to shun diplomacy as he ramped up his threats against the US and South Korea,” reads the article. According to the media, citing South Korea’s central bank, North Korea’s GDP increased by 3.1% in 2023 compared to 2022, This is the biggest growth since 2016.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership on 19 June 2024 during the Russian president's first visit in 24 years to the secretive one-party state. The agreement calls for mutual assistance in the event of an attack by a third country and is intended to take cooperation between the two states to a new level. Kim said the agreement ushers in a new era, adding that their cooperation on political, military, economic, and other issues is peaceful and aimed at defending the interests of both states. "I have no doubt that it will become a driving force in the accelerated development of a new multipolar world," Kim said.
A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said after the agreement was signed that North Korea was helping Russia kill Ukrainian civilians. "There is no doubt that North Korea is actively cooperating with Russia in the military sphere today and deliberately provides resources for the mass murder of Ukrainians," Mykhaylo Podolyak told the AFP new agency. He called for greater international isolation of both countries.
Putin had expressed gratitude for Pyongyang's "unwavering support" at the start of a summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un that began with a red-carpet welcome on June 19 as the two fiercely anti-Western leaders sought ways to boost cooperation. The Russian president's visit came as Moscow wages its prolonged war in Ukraine and both countries grapple with Western sanctions punishing aggression or, in Pyongyang's case, rogue nuclear and other weapons programs.
Putin criticized international sanctions on Pyongyang for its nuclear and missile development programs, calling them "illegitimate" and "politically motivated." In turn, Kim pledged his country's "full support and solidarity to the Russian government, army, and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity." He did not elaborate.
In the annals of modern warfare, few alliances have raised as many eyebrows as the collaboration between Russia and North Korea in the Ukraine conflict. This unexpected partnership not only reshaped the dynamics of the ongoing war but has also sent ripples through the international community, challenging long-standing geopolitical norms. As North Korean soldiers joined Russian forces on Ukrainian soil, the world watches with bated breath. This move marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, blurring the lines between regional conflicts and international interventions, and forcing a reevaluation of diplomatic strategies and sanction effectiveness.
In a startling turn of events, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken on a new dimension with the reported involvement of North Korean military personnel and resources. This unprecedented alliance between Russia and North Korea has sent shockwaves through the international community, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the war and raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia is actively gathering North Korean soldiers to bolster its forces in Ukraine. The formation of the "Buryat Battalion," reportedly consisting of approximately 3,000 North Korean fighters, marks a significant escalation in the level of direct military support from Pyongyang to Moscow. This development has led Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare that Ukraine is now effectively at war with two nations.
NATO's new Secretary General Mark Rutte said he could not confirm information about the participation of North Korean troops in military operations in Ukraine , although this was a cause for concern. Rutte also added that NATO condemns the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The scale of North Korean involvement appears to be substantial, with Western officials suggesting that Pyongyang may have dispatched as many as 10,000 soldiers to Russia. This influx of manpower comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as both sides struggle to maintain their positions and gain strategic advantages on the battlefield.
The LIGA publication writes that a "special Buryat battalion" staffed by North Korean citizens is allegedly being formed on the basis of the 11th Airborne Assault Brigade . According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the number of the "battalion" may be about 3,000 servicemen (a good battalion the size of a brigade) , and it will be involved in combat operations in the Sudzha area of the Kursk region. Apparently, when the Ukrainian Armed Forces are finally driven out of the border area, the DPRK will be to blame for this.
Beyond the provision of troops, North Korea's military support for Russia extends to the supply of vital war materiel. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has expressed grave concerns about the increasing flow of artillery and missiles from North Korea to Russia. This arms transfer not only bolsters Russia's military capabilities but also represents a significant breach of international sanctions imposed on North Korea.
The motives behind North Korea's decision to support Russia in such a direct manner are multifaceted. For Pyongyang, this alliance offers an opportunity to showcase its military prowess on the global stage, potentially enhancing its bargaining power in future diplomatic negotiations. Additionally, the economic benefits of arms sales to Russia could provide a much-needed boost to North Korea's struggling economy, which has long been hampered by international sanctions.
From Russia's perspective, the influx of North Korean support addresses critical shortages in manpower and military supplies. As the conflict in Ukraine drags on, the ability to tap into North Korea's vast arsenal and large standing army provides a valuable lifeline for Moscow's war efforts.
The implications of this alliance extend far beyond the immediate battlefield. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea represents a significant challenge to the international order and the effectiveness of global sanctions regimes. Russia's willingness to openly flout U.N. resolutions, as evidenced by its veto of a resolution aimed at curbing arms acquisitions from North Korea, underscores the erosion of diplomatic norms and the increasing fragmentation of global governance structures.
The presence of North Korean forces in Ukraine also introduces new complexities to the conflict. Reports of North Korean casualties in Ukrainian missile strikes highlight the direct risk to these foreign fighters and raise questions about the potential for escalation if significant numbers of North Korean troops are killed or captured. The international community, particularly the United States and its allies, is closely monitoring these developments with growing alarm. The U.S. has been at the forefront of warning about the escalating military assistance from North Korea to Russia and its potential impact on European stability. This situation presents a significant challenge to Western policymakers, who must now contend with the combined resources and determination of both Russia and North Korea in their efforts to support Ukraine and contain the conflict.
The response from the international community is likely to be multifaceted. Increased sanctions on both Russia and North Korea are probable, although the effectiveness of such measures may be limited given the already extensive sanctions regimes in place against both countries. There may also be calls for enhanced military support to Ukraine to counter the influx of North Korean resources. Diplomatically, this development could lead to increased pressure on China, North Korea's primary ally and economic lifeline. Western nations may seek to leverage China's influence over North Korea to curtail its support for Russia, potentially offering concessions in other areas of contention.
The involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine also raises questions about the potential for similar arrangements in future conflicts. This precedent of a pariah state openly supporting a major power in an international conflict could embolden other isolated regimes to seek similar alliances, further complicating global security dynamics. As the situation continues to evolve, policymakers must grapple with the long-term implications of this alliance. The integration of North Korean forces into the Ukraine conflict represents a significant shift in the war's dynamics and poses new challenges for strategic planning and response.
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