Deployment of DPRK troops to Russia: The Independent reveals what North Korea will receive in return
Photo: Kim Jong-un (kremlin.ru)
North Korea has sent more than 10,000 of its soldiers to Russia to support Russian forces in combat operations in Ukraine. This is the first time since the Korean War that North Korea has participated in an international military conflict, The Independent reports.
Soldiers are undergoing training in Russia, which has become possible due to the "blood alliance" between the leaders of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un.
South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom have confirmed the presence of North Korean military personnel, including high-ranking officials and generals, in the border regions of Russia near Ukraine.
The main benefits for North Korea could include financial payments, supplies of food and oil, and assistance with developing missile technologies.
According to South Korean intelligence, Russia is willing to pay each soldier up to $2,000 per month, with the majority of the money directed to North Korea's budget.
The deployment of soldiers also allows Kim Jong-un to obtain technologies in the nuclear and space sectors, which will strengthen North Korea's military capabilities and its influence on a regional level.
Additionally, Pyongyang is interested in developing satellite technologies, missile delivery systems, and receiving food and financial aid from Moscow. This support allows Kim Jong-un to present North Korea as an equal partner, participating in an alliance with Russia and its allies.
North Korea hopes that this cooperation will strengthen its position in negotiations with the United States and provide Kim Jong-un with "diplomatic space" on the international stage.
Analysts note that the war provides Pyongyang with an opportunity to modernize its defense industry and use Ukraine as a testing ground for modern warfare. In this, Kim Jong-un is supported by Putin, which could further solidify North Korea in its pursuit of "military adventurism."
South Korea is closely monitoring the situation and is considering providing intelligence and military aid to Ukraine, warning of the dangerous consequences of escalation.
North Korean soldiers in Russia
Recently, the North Korean regime signed an agreement with Russia to send its military personnel to participate in combat operations against Ukraine.
According to the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, about 12,000 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in Russia. They are being trained for potential battles in the Kursk region.
Analysts from ISW suggest that the experience gained on the Ukrainian front could be used by North Korean soldiers in future conflicts if the country becomes involved in them.
