North Korean citizens are being sent to assist Russia's military in its fight against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This statement raises concerns about the growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In his daily video address on Sunday, Zelensky noted, “We see an increasing alliance between Russia and regimes like North Korea. It is no longer just about transferring weapons; it is about transferring people from North Korea to the occupying military forces.”
This allegation comes in light of the warming relationship between Russia and North Korea. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea, marking the first such visit in over 20 years. Western analysts are now scrutinizing the extent of North Korea's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukraine to strengthen its relationships with allies, stating, “The frontline needs more support,” as he called for Western nations to provide Kyiv with long-range missiles capable of striking Russian territory.
A source within Ukrainian intelligence, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic, informed CNN that a small number of North Koreans have been working alongside the Russian military, primarily assisting with engineering tasks and sharing information about North Korean ammunition. Some of these personnel have reportedly been killed in eastern Ukraine.
In response to Zelensky’s claims, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the allegations as “another hoax.” However, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service is monitoring the situation and considers the claims credible.
During an annual defense sector audit, South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun indicated that the reported casualties of North Korean personnel in Ukraine are likely accurate, given the current circumstances. He added, “The possibility of further deployment of regular troops is very high, as Russia and North Korea have entered into a mutual agreement akin to a military alliance. We will also be well-prepared for this possibility.”
Both North Korea and Russia have faced accusations from multiple governments regarding arms supplies to each other amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although both nations deny these claims despite significant evidence suggesting otherwise.
The two countries, both viewed as pariahs by the West, have strengthened their ties since the onset of Russia's invasion. During Putin's visit to Pyongyang, the leaders pledged to enhance military cooperation and provide immediate assistance to each other in the event of an attack, solidifying a landmark defense pact between their nations.
In comments preceding their talks, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his "full support and solidarity with the struggles of the Russian government, military, and people," specifically referencing Moscow's war in Ukraine as a means to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
