Oleksandr Kovalenka, a security studies expert from Ukraine’s Center for Security Studies, suggested that North Korean personnel might be utilized to secure border areas for Russia. According to Kovalenka, this deployment would allow Russia to redeploy a significant number of its own troops, potentially around 15,000 soldiers, toward fronts near Vovchansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, or Chernihiv. However, Kovalenka indicated that he does not anticipate these north Korean soldiers engaging in combat within Ukrainian territory.
The discussion touched upon the relationship between Kim Jong Un and Soviet veterans, which an analyst noted was a symbolic gesture reflecting close ties with Moscow. Russian military analyst Ruslan Leviev concurred with the premise of differentiated objectives. Leviev differentiated between efforts to retake territory considered historically Russian and engaging in conflict within internationally recognized Ukrainian borders.
Leviev emphasized that, from a diplomatic standpoint, these two objectives constitute distinct matters. The expert commentary suggests that the potential involvement of north Korean soldiers is viewed by some analysts as a strategic measure allowing russia to reposition its military assets. The analysis focuses on the logistical and strategic implications of utilizing allied forces to maintain border security, thereby freeing up russia’s primary fighting soldiers for offensive operations elsewhere.
Topics: #soldiers #russia #north
