UK intelligence highlights potential struggles for North Korean soldiers in combat against Ukraine
Illustrative photo: North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia (Getty Images)
North Korean soldiers are likely to encounter problems when engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces, particularly due to the language barrier and other factors, according to the UK Ministry of Defense on Twitter (X).
Intelligence indicates that there are approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers on Russian territory, with some already deployed to the Kursk region.
British intelligence reminded that Russia and North Korea have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. For Moscow, military assistance from Pyongyang is a key "motivation" for this partnership.
According to forecasts from the intelligence, Russian and North Korean troops will "likely" face difficulties in interaction, as they have not previously conducted joint military exercises.
"DPRK troops conducting combat operations would almost certainly have issues operating Russian equipment, integrating into Russia’s command and control structure, and working around the language barrier with Russian forces," the intelligence added.
North Korean soldiers in Russia
North Korea deployed its soldiers to Russia in early October. According to Ukrainian intelligence, there were 12,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory last week.
Additionally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on October 31 that 8,000 North Korean soldiers are already in the Kursk region. They are not currently participating in combat, but this may change in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently testing the West's reaction to the presence of North Korean soldiers. If the response is weak, the number of North Korean troops in Russia may increase.
