North Korea may send 100,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, though this is not expected to happen immediately. Troop deployment is likely to be staggered, with rotations occurring over time. This collaboration has alarmed Ukraine’s allies and may affect regional security dynamics amid growing US-China rivalries.
Recent analyses indicate that North Korea could potentially dispatch a significant number of troops—up to 100,000—to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Sources familiar with the situation, who prefer to remain anonymous, noted that while such military assistance is not immediately forthcoming, if it does occur, it is likely to be implemented in stages with rotating deployments rather than a singular mass mobilization. Earlier this month, Ukraine’s ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, echoed this perspective, estimating that North Korea might send approximately 15,000 soldiers to the Kursk region and possibly to eastern Ukraine, with rotations every few months. This potential action has raised alarms among Kyiv’s allies, who fear that it may further escalate the conflict, which is now considered Europe’s largest since World War II.
The evolving relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is under scrutiny, particularly following indications of military cooperation amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Concerns are heightened by the prospect of North Korean troop deployment to assist Russian forces, which could alter the balance of power not only in the immediate region but also in the broader Indo-Pacific context, where tensions between the US and China are also escalating. Allies of Ukraine are increasingly wary that this collaboration could create additional geopolitical strains and exacerbate the current crisis.
In conclusion, the possibility of North Korea sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine signals a concerning shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with potential implications for global security and diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific region. The anticipated military cooperation may not only escalate tensions in Ukraine but also challenge existing security frameworks among major powers, particularly the United States and China. This situation warrants close monitoring as it develops.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
