Indoctrinated, Loyal, and Well-Trained: North Korean Soldiers Enter Russia’s War
Far from their isolated homeland, around 11,000 North Korean soldiers have become entangled in Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. Deployed to aid Russia in its grinding war against Ukraine, these soldiers operate under a veil of secrecy. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed their presence, but intelligence from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine indicates they are already engaged in combat operations.
These troops are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the western Kursk region, attacking Ukrainian positions. Their deployment has come at a cost; several hundred North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured since October, according to US intelligence. Recent battles near the Ukrainian border alone resulted in at least 30 casualties over a single weekend. Ukrainian forces have noted that these troops use outdated tactics, reminiscent of the Korean War, including mass infantry assaults.
Capabilities and Limitations
While most North Korean troops lack modern battlefield experience, they should not be underestimated. Many belong to the elite Storm Corps, a highly trained unit of special forces, snipers, and light infantry. Retired South Korean Lt. Gen. Chun In-bum compares their skill level to Western units like the US Navy SEALs or Britain’s SAS.
The Storm Corps, also known as the 11th Army Corps, comprises soldiers who are physically fit, well-trained, and intensely indoctrinated. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally overseen their rigorous training, which includes extreme displays of strength and resilience. Analysts believe these soldiers are “programmed” through intense psychological conditioning to endure and perform under harsh conditions.
However, their preparation may not fully account for the complexities of modern warfare. The Ukrainian battlefield, with its drone surveillance, advanced weaponry, and brutal conditions, poses challenges they are unlikely to have encountered before.
Challenges on the Battlefield
North Korean soldiers face significant obstacles. Russia’s grueling tactics have led to massive casualties among its own forces, and these foreign troops risk becoming similarly expendable. Additionally, language barriers complicate coordination, with Russian instructors reportedly teaching the North Koreans about 100 basic military commands.
Despite these hurdles, North Korean soldiers have undergone extensive training in Russia. This includes artillery operations, drone handling, and trench-clearing techniques—critical skills for frontline combat. Intelligence reports suggest they are being embedded within Russian units, but their specific roles remain uncertain.
Life as a North Korean Soldier
North Korea’s military is among the largest in the world, with 1.2 million active personnel. However, conditions for most soldiers are harsh. Defectors recount grueling experiences, including long winter marches, malnutrition, and inadequate medical care. Parasites and chronic illnesses are common, reflecting broader issues in North Korean society.
Even elite soldiers face challenges. While they are better equipped and fed than regular conscripts, life in the military is still grueling. Soldiers are often subjected to extreme physical training and constant indoctrination. Loyalty to the regime is paramount, with family backgrounds scrutinized before admission into elite units.
Strategic and Economic Motivations
North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia serves both strategic and economic purposes. Strengthening ties with a powerful ally like Russia bolsters Pyongyang’s position on the global stage. Economically, the arrangement provides a rare opportunity for North Korean soldiers to earn significant wages.
Reports suggest these soldiers may receive salaries of up to $2,000 a month while in Russia, a stark contrast to the $1 monthly pay they receive at home. However, much of this money likely goes to the regime, with soldiers retaining only a fraction. For many, even this reduced amount represents a fortune in a country plagued by poverty.
Russia benefits from the additional manpower as it grapples with mounting losses in Ukraine. However, integrating these foreign troops into its military remains a logistical and operational challenge.
Implications for the Korean Peninsula and Beyond
The deployment of North Korean soldiers to Ukraine has far-reaching implications. Their performance on the battlefield could shape future military strategies on the Korean Peninsula. If they succeed, they may return home with valuable combat experience, potentially strengthening North Korea’s military capabilities.
Conversely, failure could undermine North Korea’s military prestige. Either way, their involvement in Ukraine represents a significant development in global geopolitics, highlighting the increasing international dimensions of the conflict.
Mass defections among these soldiers are unlikely due to strict monitoring. North Korean troops are often paired to prevent escape attempts, and defectors risk severe consequences, including death at the hands of their comrades. However, battlefield conditions could still lead to unpredictable behavior under fire.
As analysts like Lt. Gen. Chun caution, the implications of this deployment extend beyond Ukraine. Success or failure in this mission could have lasting consequences for the security dynamics in East Asia and beyond. Whether these troops enhance Russia’s capabilities or struggle to adapt to the realities of modern warfare, their presence underscores the growing global stakes of the conflict in Ukraine.
