WSJ: North Korea sends young, inexperienced, malnourished soldiers to Russia to test ground in Ukraine as “mere cannon fodder”

The soldiers from North Korea, deployed by Russia for fight against Ukraine, are predominantly young conscripts in their teens or early twenties, rather than seasoned veterans. They are not used to fighting on flat terrain and have a weak physical form from widespread malnourishment in North Korea, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

This comes amid news from Ukrainian intelligence officials that around 11,000 North Korean troops have undergone training in Russia and could engage in the war against Ukraine on 27-28 October. Approximately 3,000 North Korean troops have been already relocated to Kursk Oblast, Russia, a part of which the Ukrainian forces captured in response to the Russian aggression. They could serve as reinforcements for Russian forces facing personnel shortages due to prolonged combat losses.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun characterized these forces as “mere cannon fodder mercenaries,” the Wall Street Journal reports. 

According to intelligence assessments, their special forces training has focused primarily on operations in mountainous terrain against South Korea, which differs significantly from the conditions they would face in Ukraine’s flat borderlands.

 James JB Park, a Kelly Fellow at the Pacific Forum and former South Korean defense official, suggests that Kim Jong Un may be “testing the waters” by initially sending less experienced troops before committing more seasoned forces.

The deployment follows a mutual defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea in June during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. On 25 October, Putin confirmed that using North Korean forces was a Russian decision, while North Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that any troop deployment would comply with international law.

The Ukrainian military has already begun outreach efforts to these troops. Through its “I want to live” Telegram channel, it has released Korean-language videos showcasing prisoner-of-war facilities and encouraging surrender.

According to South Korean intelligence, the deployed troops’ families have been relocated to undisclosed locations to limit information about the deployment. The soldiers themselves have reportedly been issued Russian uniforms and false identities.

South Korea may also consider transferring “offensive” weapons to Ukraine and even send its personnel to interrogate North Korean prisoners of war. 

The deployment could potentially benefit North Korea by providing firsthand experience with modern warfare conditions and drone operations, particularly as Russia has been using North Korean munitions and missiles in the war against Ukraine. 

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