Janice R. Andrews
In a concerning escalation, North Korea has reportedly dispatched an additional 3,500 soldiers to Russia for training ahead of potential deployment in the Ukraine war. This move follows earlier deployments and highlights Pyongyang’s deepening involvement in the conflict, raising alarms in Seoul and beyond.
According to South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, these troops are undergoing field adaptation training in five locations across Russia’s Far East. This marks the third wave of North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia, with 1,500 troops deployed earlier this year to replace casualties among the initial 11,000 sent in October 2023.
Yu, a member of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, revealed the details after a briefing with Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine’s defense intelligence, during a visit to Ukraine in late February. The lawmaker also shared that approximately 400 North Korean soldiers have been killed in action, with 3,600 wounded. Of these, 300 have returned to the frontlines after recovery.
Psychological Warfare Fails to Deter North Korean Troops
Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that psychological warfare tactics, such as broadcasts and leaflets urging North Korean soldiers to surrender, have had minimal impact. Many North Korean troops are reportedly willing to die rather than be captured, driven by intense indoctrination and fear of repercussions for their families back home.
Yu interviewed two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) during his visit. One, identified as Ri, expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea, citing hopes of reuniting with his parents and receiving medical treatment. The South Korean government has offered support if Ri chooses to defect.
The other POW, Paek, revealed the harrowing reality faced by North Korean soldiers. “When I was injured and fell to the ground, I had a grenade with me for self-destruction,” he said. Paek explained that while there are no official orders to commit suicide, many soldiers view capture as a betrayal of their country and fear their families could face severe punishment if they are taken alive.
North Korean Troops: Fearless but Reckless
Yu described North Korean soldiers as physically strong and fearless, often baffling Ukrainian forces with their reckless tactics. Despite suffering heavy casualties, they continue to push for breakthroughs on the battlefield. Analysis of seized North Korean tablets revealed extensive propaganda materials aimed at reinforcing loyalty to the regime.
Jung Gwang-il, a former North Korean artillery officer, noted that the troops deployed to Ukraine include reconnaissance units, rear-area “storm troopers,” and military delinquents assigned to punitive labor regiments. Many families of these soldiers remain unaware of their deployment, adding to the psychological burden.
Shifting Loyalties Among Younger Soldiers
Jung also highlighted a generational shift among North Korean soldiers. Unlike their predecessors, younger troops receive fewer state rations and feel less indebted to the regime. This has made them more susceptible to outside influences, such as South Korean pop culture, prompting Pyongyang to intensify crackdowns on foreign media.
Kang Ri-hyuk, a former North Korean lieutenant, emphasized that soldiers are taught that becoming a POW is worse than death, with families at risk of being sent to labor camps if they are captured.
Implications for South Korea and the Region
Yu stressed the need for South Korea to urgently analyze the battlefield dynamics in Ukraine, suggesting the deployment of experienced reserve personnel if active-duty soldiers cannot be sent. The revelations come amid ongoing peace efforts between the US and Ukraine, with North Korea potentially playing a significant role in post-war reconstruction and ammunition replenishment for Russia.
As the conflict continues, the involvement of North Korean troops raises critical questions about the broader geopolitical implications and the human cost of Pyongyang’s alliance with Moscow. With thousands of soldiers already deployed and more potentially on the way, the situation remains a volatile and evolving threat to regional and global stability.
Conclusion
The deployment of 3,500 additional North Korean troops to Russia underscores Pyongyang’s deepening entanglement in the Ukraine war. Despite psychological warfare efforts, North Korean soldiers remain fiercely loyal, driven by fear and indoctrination. As the conflict drags on, the international community must grapple with the implications of this alliance and its impact on the region. For now, the world watches as the human and geopolitical stakes continue to rise.
