Press Review - North Korea sends troops to fight with Russia in Ukraine

Here is the Polis Press Review, bringing together our analysis of the media headlines that have dominated the last week in 5 minutes. We do things differently at Polis Analysis to the mainstream media. Our experts have analysed what this week's media headlines mean for our readers so read on to know what is going on beneath the news stories of the week.

This week's Polis Press Review focuses on reports of North Korean troops being sent to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, a development that could significantly escalate the conflict and reshape geopolitical dynamics.

The Allegations:

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on Friday that North Korea has dispatched 1,500 special forces troops to Russia's Far East for training and acclimatization. According to the NIS, these troops are expected to be deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine once their adaptation training is complete. ??

The Numbers:

While the initial report mentions 1,500 troops, various sources suggest the total number could be much higher:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed intelligence reports indicate 10,000 North Korean soldiers are preparing to enter the war.

South Korean media, citing anonymous sources, reported that Pyongyang plans to dispatch a total of 12,000 troops, formed into four brigades.

Ukraine's spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that nearly 11,000 North Korean infantry troops are training in eastern Russia, with plans to be ready for combat by November 1st.

Verification Status:

It's important to note that these claims have not been independently verified. Russia has denied using North Korean troops, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing the allegations as "another piece of fake news." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance could not yet confirm the South Korean intelligence. ???♂?

Context of North Korea and Russia relations:

The alleged troop deployment comes amid deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow:

In September 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit, signalling closer cooperation.

In June 2024, the two leaders signed a pact including a mutual defence clause.

North Korea is believed to have supplied significant amounts of ammunition and missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.

This cooperation is seen as mutually beneficial: Russia gains much-needed military support, while North Korea receives economic aid, food, and potential assistance with its weapons programs, particularly its struggling satellite program. ??

Potential Outcomes:

If verified, the deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine could have several implications:

Escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, potentially prolonging the war.

Increased international isolation for both North Korea and Russia.

Potential for North Korea to gain combat experience and test its weapons in a modern conflict.

Heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in East Asia.

Possible reconsideration of military aid policies by Western nations supporting Ukraine.

As this situation continues to develop, it's crucial to approach the information critically and await further verification from independent sources. The deployment of North Korean troops, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the internationalization of the Ukraine conflict and could have far-reaching geopolitical consequences. ??

#NorthKorea #Russia #UkraineWar #Geopolitics #MilitaryCooperation #politics