North Korean troops bolster Russia's front in Ukraine
North Korea has aided Russia by sending 10,000 troops to the Ukrainian front. However, as the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, they are commanded by a Russian major general. The presence of North Korean soldiers indicates "close cooperation" between the two regimes.
For several weeks, reports have surfaced from the war front that Russia can rely on North Korea's support in conducting its offensive operations. The cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is no longer limited to supplying military equipment. Kim Jong Un has authorized the deployment of 10,000 North Korean soldiers to the front lines.
A Russian commands the Koreans. "Close cooperation"
According to the Japanese broadcaster NHK, soldiers of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are subordinate to a Russian military officer holding the rank of major general, equivalent to a divisional general. This officer has commanded the 76th Airborne Division since 2020. The identity of the officer has not been disclosed, but it is known that he previously served in Syria.
The deployment of soldiers to the front lines is meant to signify "close cooperation" between Russia and North Korea, claims the Japanese broadcaster. Moscow has designated the entire operation of integrating North Korean troops as Project Vostok (Project East).
The official announcement that 10,000 North Korean soldiers are supporting the Russian army was made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on October 31st. Of these, 8,000 troops were reportedly sent to the Kursk region, which Ukraine attacked and partially occupied in August.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported that up to 11,000 DPRK soldiers might already be stationed in the Kursk region. Reports from South Korea suggest that in exchange for military support, Pyongyang will receive financial compensation from Moscow amounting to $200 million annually, as well as at least 660,000 tons of rice.
As part of the close cooperation, Russia has also allegedly committed to assisting North Korea in launching a military reconnaissance satellite and providing support in the event of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
