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The deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to Ukraine’s front lines not only introduces a new force to the brutal conflict but also triggers major changes in global security. This development poses serious new threats for Kyiv, reinforces the alliance among authoritarian regimes, and compels Western powers—from Seoul to Washington—to rethink their strategic priorities.
Read more about this in the article by Ihor Petrenko, founder of the “United Ukraine” Think Tank, Doctor of Political Sciences for The Gaze.
Firstly, the expert explains that after decades of stagnation following the Soviet Union’s collapse, relations between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are experiencing an extraordinary resurgence. The driving force behind this renewed partnership is Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has pushed the Kremlin to seek support in unlikely places.
This renewed closeness culminated in the signing of a “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Vladimir Putin’s June 2024 visit to Pyongyang. Far from symbolic, the treaty marks the formalization of a military-political alliance shaped by shared animosity toward the West and mutual strategic need.
Signed on June 18, 2024, by Putin and Kim Jong Un, the agreement is the most consequential accord between the two countries since the 1961 Soviet–North Korean treaty. Both leaders used sweeping language to describe its importance: Kim hailed it as “the strongest treaty in history,” while Putin called it a “breakthrough,” underscoring the long-term, strategic nature of their alignment.
Secondly, Petrenko argues that reports from the front lines indicate that North Korean soldiers display strong discipline, physical resilience, and deep ideological commitment. They are well-suited to operate in tough conditions and reportedly handle small arms competently. For the Kim regime, involvement in this war offers a rare chance to gain critical combat experience. Having not fought in a major conflict since the 1950s Korean War, the Korean People’s Army (KPA) now has an opportunity to test its weaponry, tactics, and command systems against a modern opponent backed by Western technology. Especially valuable is exposure to modern warfare environments dominated by drones, electronic warfare, and precision-guided artillery.
Despite these strengths, the KPA faces significant limitations—most notably its outdated arsenal, which largely consists of Soviet-era designs from the 1950s to 1970s. Its tank force, including thousands of T-55s, T-62s, and domestic variants like the Chonma-ho and Pokpung-ho, lags far behind contemporary Western and even upgraded Russian tanks in protection, firepower, and targeting systems. The KPA also lacks experience in complex, coordinated military operations and is highly susceptible to modern threats, leading to devastating losses. Some estimates indicate the North Korean units suffered 40–50% casualties within just a few months of combat. Logistical issues, language differences, and poor coordination with Russian troops further diminish their battlefield effectiveness.
Thirdly, political scientist emphasizes that the presence of North Korean forces on the battlefield presents Ukraine with a complex scenario—posing both a serious military threat and a valuable diplomatic opportunity to rally global support.
The deployment of thousands of new, though poorly equipped, North Korean troops increases pressure on Ukraine’s already strained forces, especially in contested areas like the Kursk region. These soldiers’ willingness to endure heavy casualties in relentless “meat grinder” offensives enables Russia to rely on attritional tactics, similar to those previously used with Wagner convicts and “Storm-Z” assault units. Such operations force Ukraine to spend critical ammunition and manpower just to hold the line, making it harder to launch counterattacks or maintain defensive positions. While individual North Korean fighters may lack combat effectiveness, their large numbers make them a serious challenge.
At the same time, the involvement of a third nation openly fighting on Russia’s behalf gives Ukraine a potent argument in international diplomacy. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are actively highlighting this development to criticize the muted response from some Western allies and to underscore the urgent need for expanded military aid.
Finally, the author summarizes that the arrival of North Korean troops in Ukraine has escalated the conflict from a regional war into a complex global confrontation. It has solidified a clear anti-Western authoritarian alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, operating in tandem with Iran and enjoying quiet backing from China. This coalition has shattered the post–Cold War norms of non-proliferation and undermined international law, illustrating that a permanent UN Security Council member is willing to openly align with a rogue state to advance its military goals.
For North Korea, the war in Ukraine has become a brutal yet invaluable “live testing ground.” The battlefield experience gained there is likely to have lasting implications for regional security in East Asia.
Read the full article by Ihor Petrenko on The Gaze: Kremlin’s Foreign Legion: North Korea’s Role in Russia’s War and the New Global Divide
Read also: Russian Threats to NATO and Europe in 2025
