CNN reported that the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Administration disclosed that North Korea is preparing to expand its military support to Russia, planning to send about 30,000 additional soldiers to Russia, bringing the total number to over 40,000.

This information was subsequently confirmed by intelligence agencies of several Western countries.

The Ukrainian side stated that these additional North Korean forces will not only be deployed in areas within Russia such as Kursk, but will also directly participate in military operations in occupied Ukrainian territories.

This means that they will take on more offensive tasks.

At the same time, satellite images and airport activity records show that Russia is urgently modifying transport aircraft, possibly for the purpose of transporting troops or military supplies.

Kim Jong-un

Different from Russia's frequent conscription to fill combat losses, the troops sent by North Korea are mostly well-trained, disciplined regular elite forces.

According to intelligence from the front lines, these North Korean soldiers have indeed played a role in accelerating the Russian advance in areas where the Russian push has been sluggish.

They are assigned to high-risk tasks such as fortification repairs, close-range assaults, and small-scale infiltration. Many Russian junior officers have even actively requested North Korean soldiers to assist in completing more difficult combat missions.

According to South Korean intelligence analysis, the psychological state of North Korean soldiers is generally more resilient, maintaining combat effectiveness even in areas with artillery bombardment and supply difficulties. This has become a valuable boost in the currently manpower-strained Russian system.

Therefore, Russia has not only equipped the North Korean forces with weapons and ammunition, but also granted them a quasi-local unit status in training and command systems, indicating a high evaluation of their combat capabilities.

Vladimir Putin

On the surface, Ukraine and North Korea have no direct conflict, and North Korea's troop deployment seems to be purely an act of helping a friend in need.

But if we widen our perspective, we can see that North Korea has its own calculations.

Russia is one of the few major powers that has long supported North Korea in diplomatic, security, and energy fields.

From a strategic perspective, North Korea is well aware that it is being targeted by the West. The Russia-Ukraine war is an excellent stage for reshaping alliances, accumulating combat experience, and showcasing its military strength.

Especially after the United States, Israel, and Iran went to war, North Korea has even stronger demands to demonstrate its strength, telling the West that it is not a soft target.

Therefore, in North Korea's external propaganda, supporting Russia is not merely helping an ally, but an internationalist struggle against the hegemony of the Western world.

Thus, Kim Jong-un has gone all out, aiming to defeat Ukraine, even more aggressively than Russia itself.

To some extent, it can be said that North Korea is seeking a new coordinate for its international positioning.

North Korean and Russian flags

Moreover, from a return perspective, North Korea's participation in the Ukraine war is also an investment.

Firstly, North Korea can obtain some technology. Russia may likely provide feedback in areas such as ballistic missiles, satellite technology, air defense systems, and even nuclear materials.

Another aspect is geopolitical support. In multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Russia has always been a firm voting source for North Korea.

In addition, this also opens up an export window for North Korea's military products, showcasing their combat effectiveness in non-mainstream markets such as the Middle East and Africa.

Another hidden but crucial benefit is the training of the army.

For decades, the North Korean military has long been in a tense but non-combat situation. Real battlefield environments are crucial for improving the command abilities of its officers and the tactical adaptability of its personnel.

If Kim Jong-un considers regional conflicts or nuclear negotiations in the future, having a battle-hardened force at his disposal would undoubtedly give him more confidence. Therefore, North Korea's recent troop increase is a strategic-level move, not just a simple act of helping Russia.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523045937829134902/

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