North Korea

2024 - 10 - 25

North Korea and Russia: A Match Made in Military Heaven?

Cold War - Geopolitics - International Relations - Military Deployment - North Korea - Russia - Ukraine War - Vladimir Putin - Weapons Technology

As North Korean soldiers prepare to join forces with Russia in Ukraine, the world watches with bated breath! Discover the unlikely alliance that's got everyone talking!

In a surprising twist in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, North Korea has decided to send troops to defend Russia's interests. Reports indicate that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, are already on Russian soil, prompting both alarm and intrigue among global leaders. While Ukraine alerts the world about the imminent deployment of these troops, one can’t help but wonder what the Russian soldiers really think about this new squad joining their ranks. Judging by some overheard comments, there seems to be a combination of uncertainty and humor in the air—"What the f**k do we do with them?" could quite possibly sum it up!

This isn’t just a random pairing; it’s part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader strategy dubbed the “Turn to the East.” This new alliance doesn't only challenge Western powers but also rekindles memories of the Cold War-era dynamics, where the Grand Strategic Triangle of Russia, China, and North Korea thrived. While Moscow stands to gain strategic military support, the unfolding of this relationship raises eyebrows in Beijing. After all, North Korea has long been China’s proxy state, and the deployment of their troops in Ukraine could threaten that delicate balance of power.

Interestingly, North Korea claims that sending troops to assist Russia would align with international law—something few in the international community would actually agree with. This marked escalation heightens tensions and exacerbates global fears, illustrating how the conflict has entered a dangerous new phase. Even Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of the potential consequences, urging for international unity and tangible support against this newest military challenge.

Amidst these diplomatic tussles, the implications for South Korea are equally concerning. Reports indicate that North Korea may be receiving advanced military technology from Russia in return for their support. Whether this cooperation will lead to greater instability in the region remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the world is watching! In the end, the cooperation between North Korea and Russia reveals that when it comes to geopolitics, sometimes the unlikeliest of friendships can change the landscape entirely. Plus, who said a little military assistance couldn't come with a side of Cold War nostalgia?

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

'What the f**k to do with them?' Russian soldiers heard condemning ... (CNN)

Russian soldiers have been heard raising concerns about how North Korean soldiers will be commanded and provided with ammunition and military kit, ...

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Vladimir Putin signals North Korean troops are in Russia (Financial Times)

Ukraine says North Korean soldiers expected to be deployed with Russian army as soon as this weekend.

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Image courtesy of "38 North"

North Korea's Importance for Putin's “Turn to the East” - 38 North ... (38 North)

First, the “Turn” revives the “Grand Strategic Triangle” of the Cold War era, demonstrating to the United States and China that Russia is a powerful force with ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

North Korean troops could join war this weekend, Ukraine warns as ... (NBC News)

Reports that North Korea is sending soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine are likely to be unwelcome in China, which has long been North Korea's main ...

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Image courtesy of "Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists"

North Korea sent troops to Russia. The reason(s) are “left to be seen” (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)

Thousands of North Korean soldiers may fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. South Korean officials worry the North may get Russian advanced weapons ...

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Image courtesy of "Deccan Herald"

Ukraine investigating North Korea's support for Russia as possible ... (Deccan Herald)

The Ukrainian intelligence agency has said a total of around 12,000 North Korean troops, including 500 officers and three generals, were already in Russia.

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Image courtesy of "Newsweek"

Would North Korea fighting in Ukraine make conflict a world war? (Newsweek)

"Russia's potential training and deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine marks another critical stage in the conflict," one expert told Newsweek.

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

Putin: It's 'our business' if we want to deploy North Korean troops ... (POLITICO.eu)

Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean soldiers on Russian territory, but he did not say why they were there.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

There's hope for North Koreans, if America acts. Just look at me. (The Washington Post)

I was one of the first North Koreans to enter the United States as a refugee under the North Korean Human Rights Act (NKHRA), which Bush signed into law 20 ...

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Image courtesy of "Council on Foreign Relations"

North Korean Troops in Russia: A Dangerous New Phase in the ... (Council on Foreign Relations)

The deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russia marks an ominous new level of cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. The alliance could further ...

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Image courtesy of "eNCA"

Seoul slams Russian treaty with N. Korea, Zelensky urges 'tangible ... (eNCA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned shortly after that Russia was planning to send North Korean troops into battle against his country as early as ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Where have North Korean troops been seen in Russia? (Sky News)

While North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia for some time, the arrival of troops is a major escalation in its involvement in the war of Ukraine.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

North Korea says any deployment to aid Russia would be lawful (Reuters)

North Korea said on Friday any move to send its troops to assist Russia in its war in Ukraine would be in line with international law, although it stopped ...

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Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

North Korea eyes Russian military assistance in exchange for ... (Voice of America)

Experts say Pyongyang likely expects technical assistance to perfect its nuclear and missile programs.

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Image courtesy of "Atlantic Council"

The North Korea-Russia relationship is blossoming into a common ... (Atlantic Council)

Moscow and Pyongyang are devising and developing new business practices to supply each other while evading the reach of many US sanctions.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Videos Appear to Show North Korean Troops in Russia Amid ... (The New York Times)

Footage was filmed in the Russian Far East, which the United States says is hosting thousands of North Korean soldiers.

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Image courtesy of "38 North"

North Korean Troops in Russia: What Are They Doing There? - 38 ... (38 North)

The North Koreans might be seen as more suited to low-skilled labor than combat roles. Employing North Koreans for manual labor could free up Russians for ...

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

North Korean troops are at Russian military training site, videos show (The Washington Post)

Soldiers from North Korea's elite “Storm Corps” appear to be preparing to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to a Post analysis.

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Image courtesy of "EURACTIV"

The Brief – Putin's North Korea experiment (EURACTIV)

North Korea's Kim Jong-un has realised that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could bring him benefits.

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