The South Korean TV channel Chosun reported, citing sources in the government that North Korea would send its troops to Ukraine, with the first units arriving in the conflict zone as early as July this year.
German observer Jürgen Nauditt outlined the same scenario. However, he suggests that in the future North Korea may join forces with Russia to completely defeat the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War writes that the military will arrive in Donetsk as early as July. It is reported that Pyongyang can allegedly receive up to $115 million annually from Moscow for sending engineering brigades.
Military engineering units are part of North Korea’s ground forces and are mainly engaged in the construction of barriers on the border with South Korea. Moreover, current laws prohibit Pyongyang from officially sending its workers to other countries.
However, European media also do not rule out that North Korea may send more than just engineering troops. A number of experts suggest that Nauditt’s concerns are hardly unfounded against the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea. Just like the United States, NATO, and European countries, North Korea has been gradually drawn into the military conflict in Ukraine.
Amid the strong support and military co-operation agreement, it is possible that North Korea may provide Russia with a large army in the war in Ukraine. This may be done in response to a targeted escalation. It could also be a retaliation to Ukraine’s efforts to create a foreign volunteer legion. Experts speculate that Russia could establish a similar legion with North Korean soldiers.
Russia is also using a huge stockpile of North Korean shells previously supplied to Moscow. Many media outlets also speculate that regular Korean units will soon appear in Ukraine under the guise of volunteers. Whether the German observer anticipated such a development or the parties will be able to resolve the conflict before an imminent escalation, only time will tell.
