North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of elite special forces soldiers to Russia to potentially participate in the conflict in Ukraine. Despite concerns about their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain, these soldiers may view the deployment as an opportunity for pride, financial gain, and preferred treatment for their families back home.
The Storm Corps, one of North Korea's top units, is among those deployed to Russia. These soldiers are expected to receive wages of at least $2,000 per month, with a significant portion going to Kim Jong Un's regime. In return for their service, soldiers may be offered incentives such as membership in the ruling Workers’ Party and the opportunity to move to Pyongyang.
While serving in Russia could provide young soldiers with a chance to see a foreign country and improve their social standing, experts warn of the potential dangers they face. North Korean soldiers are not accustomed to modern warfare tactics, such as drone use, and may struggle on the flat battlefields of the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
Observers speculate that Kim Jong Un's decision to send troops to Russia could be a risky gamble to secure foreign currency and security support from Russia. However, the potential for significant casualties among North Korean soldiers could have serious political implications for Kim's regime.
As the situation unfolds, concerns remain about the fate of these young soldiers and the impact their deployment may have on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding North Korea's involvement in the Russian-Ukraine war.
