These alleged weapons systems include M-1978 Koksan 170mm self-propelled howitzers and M-1989 240mm multiple launch rocket systems. These weapons, alongside North Korean soldiers, have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to assist in expelling Ukrainian forces. In recent weeks, North Korea has delivered about 50 self-propelled howitzers and 20 updated rocket systems.
Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the American think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted that this is part of a broader trend of military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, including the supply of millions of rounds of artillery ammunition throughout 2023. Both nations are strengthening their military ties to support Russia's war efforts.
Several Western intelligence sources suggest that North Korea may have deployed more than 12,000 troops to Russia. Although there is debate over the exact numbers – with some warning that North Korea could deploy up to 100,000 troops to Russia – it is clear that Russia and North Korea are forming a closer alliance.
United States' foreign policy decisions, especially its military encirclement of Russia and North Korea and sanctions, have driven both countries to strengthen ties, creating a new geopolitical reality where nations disillusioned with the West's liberal approach are aligning with Eurasian powers like Russia and China. (Related: Russia has invoked Article 4 of its mutual defense treaty with North Korea, Putin confirms.)
North Korea's armed forces, the Korean People's Army, is one of the largest in the world in terms of manpower. But North Korean soldiers lack modern combat experience.
Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies notes that while North Korean troops are highly indoctrinated, their readiness is low. However, experts believe that North Korea's special forces could be effective on the battlefield. These troops are trained to withstand extreme physical and psychological stress, making them more capable than regular North Korean units.
North Korea helping Russia address its manpower shortages
Despite challenges such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with Russian military systems, some analysts believe that North Korean troops will likely be tasked with engineering and construction duties, rather than frontline combat. However, as the war progresses, these soldiers may become some of Russia's most capable fighters.
North Korea's involvement also helps Russia address its significant manpower shortages. Russia has suffered heavy casualties, with an estimated 600,000 soldiers killed or wounded since the invasion began. Moscow has been struggling to reinforce its forces, offering bonuses to recruits and enlisting foreign soldiers. North Korea stands to earn about $2,000 per soldier per month, with much of this money funneled into its state coffers.
For North Korea, this arrangement offers financial benefits and access to Russian military technology, which it might not otherwise acquire. In exchange, Russia gains much-needed troops for its war effort. Moscow is reportedly recruiting 20,000 new soldiers per month to replenish its ranks. North Korean troops could help alleviate some of the pressure caused by Russian casualties.
Watch this video of retired U.S. Army Col. Douglas MacGregor discussing how North Korean troops are crushing their Ukrainian adversaries.
This video is from the Treasure of the Sun channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Zelensky blasts West's "zero reaction" to claim of North Korea's deployment of troops in Russia.
Biden urges Ukraine to hit North Korean troops that its military encounters on the battlefield.
South Korea could send arms to Ukraine after North Korea deploys troops to aid Russia.
Sources include:
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