NORTH KOREA: A More Dangerous Threat?
At the start of December, about 12,000 North Korean soldiers were reported to have joined the war in Ukraine, fighting on the Russian side. At first, both Russia and North Korea denied it, but soon enough, various open-source intelligence accounts started picking up on it. Eventually, the White House and other Western officials confirmed what many had been speculating for a while—North Korea was indeed there, fighting in Europe. The full impact of this still isn’t clear, but we can make some educated guesses. These 12,000 soldiers were originally thought to be fighting in Kursk, but they’ve also turned up in Donbas. While they probably won’t change the outcome of the war, it does raise an important question: Why would Kim Jong-un send his people into a war zone where so many could end up dead?
This week, I want to dive into why North Korea is getting involved in Ukraine, what they might be learning from it, and how this could affect their ongoing standoff with South Korea. Honestly, this is a bigger deal than many European leaders seem to realize, and its impact could go well beyond Ukraine.
Before diving into what North Koreans might be doing in Russia, let’s first take a closer look at Kim Jong Un’s military.
The Korean People’s Army (KPA) is one of the largest and most secretive forces in the world, with around 1.2 million active-duty personnel. It’s divided into four main branches: the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Strategic Rocket Forces. The Ground Forces, being the largest branch, are responsible for land-based operations and are probably the ones we’d expect to see in Russia.
The Navy and Air Force, however, don’t seem quite as formidable. They rely on older Soviet and Chinese equipment, which isn’t exactly state-of-the-art. In fact, judging by how they’ve reacted to drones in Ukraine, it’s clear they don’t have the most advanced systems. On the other hand, the Strategic Rocket Forces are a different story. This branch is responsible for North Korea’s well-known intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and nuclear delivery systems. Even though much of the military relies on outdated tech, North Korea has continued to innovate in this area, making it the most advanced part of their defense strategy.
North Korea’s military service is mandatory for everyone—men serve for 10 years and women for seven. Training is intense and heavily focused on indoctrination, with soldiers being steeped in propaganda about the Kim family. The KPA isn’t just about defense either; it plays a big role in maintaining control over the population. This is reflected in the mandatory service and those massive parades that the Kim dynasty is famous for.
When it comes to spending, North Korea pours a staggering 20-25% of its GDP into the military. That’s a huge chunk for such a small, isolated country. This heavy investment is all about maintaining a defensive posture, driven by the regime’s fear of foreign intervention—particularly from the U.S. and South Korea. Their strategy is focused on deterrence, with nuclear weapons and missile technology at the core. This explains the frequent nuclear tests and missile launches that have drawn global condemnation and sanctions.
The KPA is also big on unconventional warfare. They’ve trained special forces and cyber units for sabotage and guerrilla tactics and have even made strides in drone technology. Their soldiers are always on high alert, given the ongoing tension with South Korea and the U.S. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) remains one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, with standoffs happening regularly.
WHY HAVE THEY BEEN SENT TO RUSSIA?
Russia and North Korea have grown much closer over the past year, especially in military cooperation. This stronger relationship became official in June 2024 when Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The treaty covers everything from political and trade ties to investment and security, even including mutual defense commitments.
Kim hasn’t just sent soldiers to the front lines in Ukraine—an estimated 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed to fight for Russia. He’s also supplied his ally, Vladimir Putin, with weapons and artillery. In fact, around half of the artillery used on the front lines is thought to come from North Korea. Estimates suggest that North Korea has sent between 5 and 8 million artillery shells to Russia.
On top of that, Kim has provided 50 M-1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers and 20 M-1991 short-range missile systems, further bolstering Russia’s artillery capabilities. This growing partnership has had a big impact on Russia’s military strength, especially in sustaining its war efforts in Ukraine.
HAS THIS HELPED RUSSIA? WHAT ARE KIM'S INTENTIONS?
From where I stand, the artillery and weapons North Korea has supplied have been a game-changer for Russia in its fight against Ukraine. You can see this in Russia’s recent advances in the Donbas, which Ukraine has struggled to push back. Meanwhile, European leaders have been dragging their feet, debating endlessly over whether sending certain equipment might cross some imaginary red line. In contrast, North Korea has been steadily fueling Putin’s war machine without hesitation.
But what about the 12,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly sent to fight? Honestly, I don’t think they’ve made much of a difference on the battlefield. Russia is losing anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 men daily, so 12,000 soldiers are barely a drop in the bucket. So, why are they there?
For one, they’re doing the dirty work. Videos have surfaced showing North Korean troops being sent single file into snowy no-man’s-land to find mines—by stepping on them. Those who die are dragged away by medics, and the survivors keep moving forward. They’re being used for meat-wave attacks, similar to the penal colony battalions Russia deploys. Essentially, they’re doing the “crap jobs” so Russian soldiers can focus on more strategic tasks.
What’s in it for Kim Jong Un? A lot, actually. North Korean soldiers in Russia are reportedly earning about $2,000 a month, which adds up to over $200 million a year—a significant boost for the cash-strapped regime. On top of that, Russia has forgiven 90% of North Korea’s Soviet-era debt, opening the door for increased trade and economic cooperation.
There’s even talk of Russia helping North Korea develop its missile and space technology, which could be a game-changer for Pyongyang’s military ambitions. And with the money it’s earning, North Korea has been buying much-needed food, like rice, to help alleviate its chronic shortages.
For North Korea, this partnership is paying off in a big way. It’s getting economic relief, military upgrades, and a stronger foothold on the global stage—all while keeping its alliance with Russia strong.
WHY WE SHOULD BE MORE WORRIED IN EUROPE AND THE WEST?
North Korea is an unpredictable state led by an equally erratic and uncontrollable leader. Kim Jong Un sent his soldiers to Russia not just to support Putin but to gain experience in a modern, active war—something the North Korean military sorely lacks despite its massive size. Now, they’re getting that experience. While many of them are dying in droves on the front lines, those who survive are being sent back home to train others in combat tactics.
This is especially important for North Korea, as they’re being exposed to things they’ve never dealt with before, like drone warfare, modern weapons, and advanced rocket systems. The knowledge they’re gaining isn’t just for show—it’s likely to be used later, possibly against South Korea. If a conflict involving Russia or China ever breaks out, North Korea would likely step in as an ally, equipped with this new combat experience.
And it’s not just about battlefield experience. As mentioned earlier, North Korea is also benefiting from Russian military technology and expertise, which is helping them improve their own weapons production capabilities. This not only strengthens their own arsenal but also makes them a more attractive weapons supplier for other rogue states looking to bolster their firepower.
CONCLUSION
In short, the war in Russia is transforming North Korea into a more knowledgeable, formidable, and unpredictable player on the global stage. Through its involvement, the DPRK is gaining valuable battlefield experience and weapons knowledge. This partnership not only strengthens North Korea’s military capabilities but also stabilizes its fragile economy through debt forgiveness, trade opportunities, and financial gains.
The knowledge and resources being acquired are likely to be used against South Korea or in support of allies like Russia and China in future conflicts. This makes DPRK a greater threat to regional and global stability. As its military grows more capable and its alliances deepen, North Korea’s unpredictability and potential for disruption become increasingly alarming, underscoring how conflicts like the one in Ukraine can have far-reaching consequences beyond their immediate theaters.
- The New York Post: Kim Jong Un’s big guns spotted on Russian front lines in Ukraine
- The Wall Street Journal: Satellite Images Show North Korea Boosting Arms Flow to Russia
- Reuters: US warns North Korea becoming better prepared for war, fighting against Ukraine
- AP: North Korea and Russia agree to expand their economic cooperation
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