The Russian soldiers sent to fight in Ukraine are mostly young conscripts, either in their teens or early 20s, and not veterans with a lot of experience. According to the Wall Street Journal, they are not used fighting on flat terrain. They also have a weak physique due to widespread malnutrition in North Korea. The Wall Street Journal reported that 11,000 North Korean soldiers had been trained in Russia and were ready to fight against Ukraine from 27-28 Oct. This news comes as Ukrainian intelligence officials have confirmed that the North Korean troops underwent training in Russia. Around 3,000 North Korean soldiers have already been relocated to Kursk Oblast in Russia, an area that the Ukrainian forces seized as a response to Russian aggression. The Wall Street Journal reported that South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun characterized the forces as “mercenaries who are nothing more than cannon fodder”. Intelligence assessments indicate that their special forces have been trained primarily for mountainous terrain operations against South Korea. This is a vastly different environment than the flat borderlands of Ukraine. James JB Park is a Kelly Fellow and former South Korean Defense official at the Pacific Forum. He suggests that Kim Jong Un could be “testing waters” by sending less experienced troops first before committing more experienced forces. The deployment follows a Mutual Defense Pact signed between Russia & North Korea in June, during Putin’s trip to Pyongyang. On 25 October, Putin said that the decision to use North Korean forces was Russian, while North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said that any troop deployment would be in accordance with international law. The Ukrainian military has begun outreach efforts for these troops. It has released Korean language videos on its “I Want to Live” Telegram channel showcasing prisoner of war facilities and encouraging surrender. According to South Korean intelligence the deployed troops’ family members have been relocated in an undisclosed location to limit information about deployment. The soldiers have reportedly received Russian uniforms and false identifiers. South Korea may even consider sending its personnel to question North Korean prisoners of War. The deployment could benefit North Korea, as it would give them first-hand experience of modern warfare conditions and drone operation. This is especially true since Russia has used North Korean munitions in its war against Ukraine. Related:
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