North Korean Troops Join Combat Operations with Russian Forces, US State Department Confirms
The United States State Department has confirmed that North Korean soldiers are actively participating in combat alongside Russian military forces.
According to State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel, over 10,000 North Korean People’s Army (DPRK) troops have been deployed to eastern Russia. The majority of these soldiers have reportedly moved to the western Kursk Oblast, where they have begun engaging in active combat operations with Russian forces.
This development comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly focused on regaining control of the Kursk region from Ukraine before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in January. The move is seen as an attempt to secure the region and remove it from potential future peace negotiations.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian forces launched an invasion of the Kursk region, making significant territorial gains. Reports from US and European media indicate that as many as 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops have recently gathered along the border of the Kursk region.
What Does North Korea Gain from Sending Troops to Support Russia’s War in Ukraine?
As Russia benefits from the deployment of an estimated 10,000 North Korean soldiers to support its military efforts in Ukraine, the rewards for North Korea are subtler yet significant. Experts suggest that North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, stands to gain both combat experience and enhanced military capabilities from this alliance.
According to Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, North Korea could acquire firsthand exposure to modern warfare tactics, including the use of drones. “North Korea might be getting combat experience with drones and some real combat experience in a 21st-century war,” Gabuev shared with NBC News. However, he emphasized that strategic capabilities from Russia, such as advancements in military technology, are likely more valuable to North Korea.
Reports from Western and South Korean officials indicate that North Korea is receiving diverse compensation for its involvement, including resources, food, and cash payments. The diplomatic relationship between North Korea and Russia has notably strengthened during the Ukraine conflict, leading to mutual benefits. Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia’s Vostochny spaceport last summer fueled speculation that Russia might share space technology knowledge, which could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
The alliance also provides North Korea with stronger protection on the global stage. As Edward Howell, North Korea expert at Chatham House, explains, “It now has full, unwavering support of Russia at the UN Security Council, which is extremely beneficial for North Korea. This support allows it to pursue missile tests and even nuclear tests without the risk of additional sanctions due to Russia’s veto power.”
Additionally, North Korea’s troops gain valuable on-the-ground experience. Gabuev notes that if North Korean soldiers can learn to navigate battlefields densely populated with drones, they will be better equipped for modern warfare. This training, paired with potential advancements in nuclear-capable technology, could enhance North Korea’s defense capabilities in the future.
Trump Appoints Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser, Potentially Impacting Ukraine Policy
In a major appointment for his administration’s foreign policy direction, Donald Trump has selected Mike Waltz, Florida’s representative, as his new national security adviser. This choice is expected to have significant implications for U.S. policy toward Ukraine and other global issues.
Waltz, described by experts as a staunch “MAGA loyalist,” is also recognized for his strong stance on international relations. He is noted for his “Atlanticist” views, support for traditional interventionism, a hardline approach on China, and his firm stance as a “Russia-hawk.”
This key appointment could shape Trump’s administration’s approach to critical global challenges, especially regarding Russia and China.
Ukraine Drone Attacks Target Russia, 13 UAVs Reported Downed
In recent hours, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted and downed 13 drones allegedly launched by Ukraine. According to Russian officials, two drones were shot down over Bryansk, while 11 were neutralized over Belgorod.
Both Bryansk and Belgorod, located along Russia’s border with Ukraine, have seen frequent drone incursions in recent months, intensifying the cross-border hostilities between the two nations.
As of now, Ukrainian officials have not issued a response to these latest claims from the Russian Defense Ministry.