LIGA: Russia forms a battalion comprised of North Korean nationals
15 October, 2024 North Korean soldiers during the parade. Photo: BLOOMBERG Russia is forming a special battalion of North Korean nationals to participate in hostilities in the Kursk region and protect the border.
LIGA reported on this with reference to Ukrainian military intelligence. The new battalion, which is being formed as part of the 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Russian Army, should consist of approximately 3,000 North Korean citizens. It should be noted that the United States has repeatedly warned of the possibility of North Korean citizens being used in the war against Ukraine.
North Korean (DPRK) military.
Photo: Getty Images
In addition, the Russian government is currently trying to legalize the use of Koreans and involve them in the war. In line with this, on October 15, President of Russia Vladimir Putin introduced a bill to ratify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with the DPRK. This step should allow the Korean military to be officially used and involved in combat operations and border patrols.
According to Western partners, Korean troops may replace Russian border guard units that will be sent to the front line in the Kursk region, as well as to the territory of Ukraine. It should be pointed out that one of the articles of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Russian Federation and the DPRK provides that in the event of an immediate threat of an act of armed aggression against one of the parties, the parties, at its request, shall immediately use bilateral channels for consultations to coordinate their positions and agree on possible practical measures to assist each other to help eliminate the threat.
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un sign a security agreement. June 19, 2024.
North Korea. Photo: kcna.kp
According to the Washington Post, several thousand soldiers from the DPRK are undergoing training in Russia, and they may be deployed to Ukraine by the end of the year. Despite this, to date, no encounters between the Ukrainian military and North Korean nationals have been recorded.
Last year, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported the arrival of a limited contingent of DPRK military personnel, including engineering troops, to the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.
In particular, North Korean military specialists are helping the Russians use KN-23 tactical missile systems.
Back in June, it was reported that the DPRK had sent at least 10,000 shipping containers to Russia that could contain almost 5 million pieces of artillery ammunition.