North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui met her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on November 1, making clear Pyongyang's commitment to support Russia until what she termed its "day of victory" over Ukraine. This promise of allegiance raises significant concerns among Western powers, particularly as North Korea reportedly prepares to send thousands of troops to bolster Russian military efforts.
During the meeting, Choe emphasized the close historical ties and "invincible military comradeship" between the two nations. She lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership, asserting confidence in Russia's eventual success. "North Korea assures Russia it will always be with the Russian comrades until the day of victory," Choe stated, underscoring Pyongyang's unwavering stance amid the continuing conflict.
This meeting follows the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia earlier this year, which included commitments for military support should either nation face external threats. Ratified by the Russian parliament in October, the pact has spurred allegations of closer military collaboration, as Ukraine’s military intelligence reported North Korea deploying troops, including 500 officers and three generals, to Russia, with estimates of nearly 12,000 military personnel engaged.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have indicated at least 8,000 North Korean troops are already stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, preparing for imminent combat against Ukrainian forces. "We expect North Korean forces to engage within days," warned Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, urging allied nations to rethink their support strategies to counterbalance this growing military alliance.
Reports suggest the North Korean troops have not yet participated in combat but are primed for action. Ukrainian defense officials anticipate heavy casualties as these forces, not trained for modern warfare, integrate with Russian units. This deployment reflects Russia's strategy to conserve its own troop numbers as it faces personnel shortages, effectively using North Korean soldiers as reinforcements.
Zelensky, addressing the situation, labeled the alignment of North Korean and Russian troops as "a war of two countries against one," highlighting the need for decisive action from Western allies. His remarks aim to stimulate international responses, including potential military aid enhancements to Ukraine.
Following Choe's remarks, analysts questioned whether this support would pivot Russia from its apparent struggles or deepen North Korea's military involvement beyond mere troop provision. Historically, similar situations have escalated tensions globally, bringing forth the need for heightened vigilance among NATO nations.
Despite the historical enmity between North Korea and the West, especially the United States and South Korea, Choe's accusations against these nations suggest her intention to frame North Korean military support as defensive. She asserted without providing supporting evidence, claims of U.S. and South Korean plots for nuclear strikes against Pyongyang. This rhetoric serves to bolster North Korea's narrative of victimhood and justification for its military adventures abroad.
Choe’s visit signals Phase Two of this burgeoning military collaboration. The existing treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang solidifies both nations' resolve to assist each other militarily, irrespective of Western pressures. This reinforces suspicions of North Korea's sustained nuclear ambitions and its means to acquire advanced weaponry from Russia, which may inadvertently endanger global safety.
For now, the situation continues to evolve, as military watchers keep close tabs on the troop movements and broader ramifications of this strategic partnership. The West's response will likely shape not only the region's future but the global balance of power as well. If North Korea's involvement translates to increased casualties for Ukraine, the ripple effects could prompt more aggressive postures from both sides involved, setting the stage for extended conflict.
