After his state visit to North Korea, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is expected to get help from the isolated country in its war of aggression in Ukraine: dictator Kim Jong-un is expected to send soldiers to Russian-occupied territories in July.
During the state visit, Kim assured the Kremlin chief of “unconditional support” in the military operation in Ukraine. Russia will apparently receive this soon. As Reuters news agency reported, citing South Korean TV channel Chosun, North Korean troops will be sent to Ukraine in July.
According to the report, these are men who are already stationed abroad. As construction workers, they must earn foreign currency for the isolated country, which is subject to strict sanctions. Now they are believed to support the Russian invasion as construction and engineering forces in occupied territories.
Photos of the elaborately staged state visit:
US warns: “Cannon fodder for illegal war”
However, the US fears that North Korea could also send combat units. A Pentagon spokesman warned against such a move: North Korean soldiers would only be used as cannon fodder for the Russian regime, General Pat Ryder said at a news conference on Tuesday. “If I were the head of the North Korean military, I would question my decision to send my troops as cannon fodder in an illegal war against Ukraine. And we have seen the kind of losses that Russian forces have suffered,” the Pentagon said.
North Korea and Russia entered into a military pact
During Putin’s state visit in mid-June, the two statesmen showed their solidarity. The two countries subsequently signed a treaty guaranteeing “mutual assistance in case of aggression.” “Should either Party be reduced to a state of war by armed invasion by a single State or more States, the other Party shall promptly provide military and other assistance by all means at its disposal,” the agreement said.
North Korea has almost as many soldiers as the US
Until now, Russia has only been supported by North Korea with arms supplies. That should be the case Artillery ammunition, rockets for Russian multiple rocket launchers and even ballistic missiles may have been supplied to the Kremlin. However, sending mercenaries would mean a new level of escalation. According to an estimate by the trade magazine “Global Firepower”, North Korea currently has approximately 1,320,000 soldiers – this number is only slightly behind the US with 1,328,000 soldiers. However, when it comes to military strength, the country would lag far behind other countries. North Korea ranks only 36th in the world.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
