Janice R. Andrews
Former North Korean military personnel, now based in South Korea, are seeking to support Ukraine’s forces against North Korean troops aligned with Russia, according to the South China Morning Post. These veterans, each bringing 7-10 years of military expertise, aim to utilize their unique understanding of North Korean military doctrine to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
The defectors plan to employ psychological warfare tactics, targeting the commitment of North Korean soldiers serving alongside Russian forces. This approach draws on their intimate knowledge of potential weak points in North Korean troop morale and loyalty.
Recent Pentagon assessments indicate approximately 10,000 North Korean military personnel are undergoing training in Russia for eventual deployment to Ukraine. Additionally, NATO has confirmed the presence of North Korean forces in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian defenders are engaged in ongoing operations. While the timeline for the defectors’ involvement remains undefined, their specialized knowledge of North Korean military operations could provide Ukraine with valuable tactical insights.
