North Korea has pledged its unwavering support for Russia until it achieves victory in Ukraine, as stated by the country’s foreign minister during her visit to Moscow on November 1. This declaration comes amid U.S. warnings that thousands of North Korean troops may soon be deployed to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Choe Son Hui, North Korea’s foreign minister, was in Moscow as Western intelligence reports suggested that up to 10,000 North Korean troops are currently training in Russia and are poised to join the conflict that has persisted for over two years alongside Russian forces. U.S. intelligence has indicated that some of these troops have been spotted near the Kursk border region, prompting warnings from Washington and Seoul for North Korea to withdraw its military.
Solidarity with Russian allies
Choe expressed North Korea’s strong commitment to supporting Russia, emphasizing their solidarity with Russian allies until a day of victory is reached. She also expressed confidence in President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, noting his summer signing of a mutual assistance agreement with Pyongyang and the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Choe characterized Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine as a “sacred struggle.” She further asserted that North Korea would persist in enhancing its nuclear arsenal, with widespread suspicions that Pyongyang seeks to obtain nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for military assistance.
Neither North Korea nor Russia has confirmed the reports regarding troop deployments, and Choe and her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, refrained from addressing the issue in their post-meeting statements. However, Lavrov praised the close connections between the military and intelligence services of both countries, stating that this collaboration would contribute to addressing significant security concerns for their respective nations.
North Korea on Ukraine
Lavrov expressed Russia’s gratitude for North Korea’s firm position on Ukraine. Since the commencement of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, the country has severed ties with the West, finding allies in North Korea and Iran, both of which are believed to be providing support to Russian forces.
In a tone reminiscent of Soviet-era rhetoric, Lavrov appreciated the opportunity for candid discussions with North Korea. The relationship between the two nations has significantly improved, with both now facing extensive international sanctions.
Lavrov mentioned that President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in July marked a new phase in their bilateral relations. While North Korea is thought to have already supplied weapons to Russia, the deployment of troops would represent a significant escalation in their cooperation.
North Korean troops entering combat
The U.S. announced on Thursday that it has not yet observed North Korean troops entering combat but warned that this may occur soon. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remarked that the 10,000 North Korean soldiers believed to be en route would not sufficiently compensate for the losses incurred by Russian forces. He added that the U.S. is poised to announce new military assistance for Ukraine shortly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized what he perceived as a lack of action from his allies regarding North Korean troop involvement and expressed his surprise at China’s silence on the matter. Kyiv has called on Western nations to eliminate restrictions on long-range missile strikes into Russia, particularly in light of what it considers a true escalation involving North Korea.
Choe reiterated North Korea’s commitment to advancing its nuclear capabilities, attributing escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula to actions taken by the U.S. and its allies. This statement followed North Korea’s announcement of a test launch of one of its most advanced missiles aimed at bolstering its nuclear deterrent, an action condemned by Western nations.
She assured that North Korea would not alter its course concerning the enhancement of its nuclear forces, citing a precarious and unstable security environment created by U.S. machinations. Choe warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula could escalate at any moment, with South Korea expressing concerns that North Korea’s military engagement in Russia could heighten security risks and lead to demands for Russian technology transfers to bolster its own weapons programs.
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