Today at 22:30
Russia has practically dragged North Korea into the war, which itself would not mind participating in it. How will this affect the course of military operations in Ukraine? What combat readiness will Kim Jong-Un’s troops be in?
All these questions will be answered by Ivan Stupak, military expert, former officer of the Security Service of Ukraine.
— How likely do you think it is that North Korean troops will actually end up in Ukraine?
— The possibility is pretty high, but right now, we don’t exactly know whether North Korean soldiers are already in Ukraine or if it’s just rumors. According to the statement from the president of Ukraine, North Korean soldiers are currently in Ukraine. However, we don’t have exact numbers or know who they are—whether they’re assault troops, officers studying warfare, or maybe involved in supplying or maintaining North Korean ballistic missiles.
— So, there’s a lot of uncertainty. We don’t know if North Korean soldiers are in Ukraine, who they are, or what they’re doing. We’re just guessing at their combat potential, right?
— Exactly. But two weeks ago, Ukrainian military intelligence said they destroyed at least 20 North Korean officers in occupied territories. South Korea’s Minister of Defense confirmed the first North Korean soldiers died in Ukraine, though he said the number was six, not 20. Either way, North Korean soldiers have definitely died in Ukraine.
— Wow, that’s huge news. Is that an international or military crime on Russia’s part?
— Well, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is already an international crime. Now, they’re asking for troops from another dictatorship. In terms of international law, this could be considered the use of mercenaries. But if North Korean soldiers are involved, they’ll likely be integrated into the Russian army, wearing Russian patches and serving as part of Russian units. It’s not exactly a violation of international law—just one dictator helping another, likely in exchange for cash, gold, technology, or something else.
— Do you think South Korea should be worried about this collaboration between North Korea and Russia?
— Yes, South Korea is on edge. North Korea is threatening to blow up roads connecting both Koreas and continuing to send balloons with trash to the South. It’s a kind of cheap terrorism.
— Balloons with just rubbish? What’s the point of that?
— Yes, just rubbish—no reconnaissance equipment at all. Maybe it’s something for South Korean intelligence to analyze, like DNA from the trash.
— Let’s speculate. We know that North Korean soldiers have died in Ukraine. Do you think more troops will follow?
— Earlier this year, there were rumors about 10,000 North Korean soldiers being sent to occupied territories.
They were said to be engineers, maybe building trenches or defense structures, but these were just rumors. No facts.
— How effective are North Korean forces? They haven’t fought a real battle in 70 years.
— North Korean soldiers lack experience, training, and motivation. Their only advantage is their numbers.
— It’s mind-boggling to imagine North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine. What do you think will happen to North Korea after Ukraine’s victory? Will North Korea be held accountable?
— It’s unlikely. North Korea is a dictatorship, and dictators don’t follow rules. It’s hard to imagine any accountability.
— Could the international community do anything about North Korea’s involvement?
— I’m not sure. The only potential solution might be to break North Korea’s information barrier and provide its people with actual information. But right now, that’s nearly impossible.
— Do you think this could be the beginning of the end for North Korea—like a crack that might lead to revolution?
— No, I don’t think so. The regime is too solid, and I don’t see any possibility of it cracking right now.
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