North Korea Decides to Dispatch 10,000 Soldiers to Russia for Ukrainian War

News Summary

South Korea's intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), verified last Friday that North Korea has made the decision to dispatch approximately 10,000 troops to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and has already commenced the deployment process.

The NIS confirmed that from October 8 to 13, North Korea initiated the transportation of its special forces troops to Russia. The first phase involved sending approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers using four amphibious landing ships and three escort vessels provided by Russia.

Commentary

North Korea's unprecedented decision to deploy its troops to Russia is alarming not only to South Korea and its allies but also to NATO members. This move demonstrates a deepening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which could alter the security landscapes of the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

North Korea is expected to receive funds and missile technology from Russia in exchange for deploying its soldiers. This is particularly concerning, as it will greatly boost North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

However, this could mark a pivotal moment in which the Kim regime faces significant backlash from within and outside. Internally, the North Korean military will be discontent with Kim's decision to send troops to Russia, as they are aware that a majority of the soldiers sent will likely encounter death or injury. Externally, North Korea will face strong pushback from the international community, particularly NATO members that previously disregarded North Korea as a major threat.

Despite the increasing military tensions in the region, South Korea should take advantage of this moment as a crucial opportunity to implement President Yoon's Freedom-based Unification Doctrine by gaining support from the international community and appealing to discontented North Korean troops at the border.