North Korea's secret military deal: 12,000 troops to Ukraine
The military cooperation agreement between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea includes a secret clause involving the deployment of 12,000 soldiers from Kim Jong Un's regime to Ukraine, reports "The Wall Street Journal," citing sources within Russian intelligence.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin traveled to North Korea in June to finalize an agreement with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un concerning military cooperation. "The Wall Street Journal" has uncovered new details regarding the agreement's specifics.
The American newspaper, citing its sources in Russian intelligence, reports that the agreement includes a secret clause stipulating that 12,000 North Korean soldiers are to assist Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. The Pentagon confirms that there is evidence of some of these soldiers being present in the Russian Federation.
"WSJ" indicates that the majority of DPRK soldiers are intended to be stationed at secure frontline positions to observe Russian logistics and gain experience with drone warfare.
Increased tensions beneficial to Russia
Benjamin R. Young, a nuclear security specialist at Rand Corporation, told the American newspaper that Pyongyang is taking the opportunity to learn about conducting a war of attrition using artillery. No training ground can replicate actual war experiences.
As "WSJ" notes, this preparation is aimed at equipping North Korea for potential conflict with its southern neighbor. The increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula benefit Vladimir Putin, as they could divert the USA's attention away from Ukraine.
Experts suggest that North Korean forces are unlikely to alter the situation on the Ukrainian front significantly. However, North Korea presents challenges to Kyiv by supplying weapons to Russian troops, a component of the regimes' collaboration.
