Concerns Rise Over North Korean Troops in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed grave concerns on Thursday regarding the presence of North Korean troops in temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine, stating that this development marks “the first step toward a World War.” His remarks highlight escalating fears over the military capabilities and intentions of North Korea. “This is no longer merely about the transfer of weapons; it is about sending personnel from North Korea to bolster the occupying military forces,” he emphasized.
Zelenskyy’s statement followed reports from Ukrainian media outlet The Kyiv Independent, which indicated that North Korea had dispatched 10,000 soldiers to Russia to enhance its offensive efforts in Ukraine. Although the Kremlin dismissed these claims, the notion of North Korean forces potentially engaging in combat alongside Russian troops in European territory raises critical questions about the strength of Pyongyang’s military and its ability to sustain such deployments.
The World’s Fourth-Largest Army
North Korea boasts the world’s fourth-largest military, with approximately 1.3 million active personnel, which constitutes about 5% of the nation’s total population. Additionally, around 600,000 individuals are believed to serve as reserve soldiers. Under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, defense spending has become a top priority, with Pyongyang announcing in January that 15.9% of its total government expenditure for the year would be allocated to defense. Although the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not disclose specific figures, this estimate aligns with previous years’ announcements. Independent assessments suggest that North Korea likely expended around 36.3% of its GDP on its military in 2023, making it the second-highest globally in this regard.
While it is acknowledged that the North Korean military relies on outdated technology and equipment, its leadership compensates for these deficiencies by deploying troops in vast numbers, a tactic reminiscent of Russia’s military strategy. Pentagon press secretary Major Patrick Ryder noted in June that Russia would likely utilize North Korean soldiers as “cannon fodder,” similar to its own troops.
North Korea’s Nuclear Capabilities
For many observers, North Korea’s advancements in ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons pose even greater concerns. Since assuming power in 2011, Kim Jong-un has accelerated the country’s nuclear program, overseeing four nuclear tests: one in 2013, two in 2016, and another in 2017. Additionally, he has ordered a staggering 160 missile tests—far surpassing the number conducted during the tenures of his father, Kim Jong-il, and his grandfather, Kim Il-sung. These missiles are believed to have the capability to reach the U.S. mainland.
With each successive test, the power of North Korea’s nuclear explosions has increased significantly. The last nuclear test conducted in September 2017 was notably more powerful than anticipated, lending credibility to Pyongyang’s claims about its capacity to create a hydrogen bomb. However, since then, North Korea has refrained from conducting similar tests. In 2018, it asserted the shutdown of its primary nuclear material production site, the Yongbyon reactor complex, as part of diplomatic efforts during the summit between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore.
Nevertheless, these claims were contested by a 2021 report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which indicated that North Korea had resumed fissile material production at Yongbyon. By mid-2022, satellite imagery revealed ongoing construction at the site, prompting the IAEA to express concerns that North Korea was preparing for another nuclear test. In September, North Korea released images providing a rare glimpse into its nuclear weapons program, showcasing centrifuges used for the production of bomb-grade uranium. These images, perceived as a display of power by Kim, raised fresh alarms among Western nations and the broader international community.
“As these images illustrate, North Korea possesses a vast nuclear program that lacks transparency concerning adherence to basic international nuclear safety standards,” Rafael Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, stated in an interview with AP.
Heightened Tensions with South Korea
The release of these images has coincided with rising tensions between North Korea and South Korea. Historical relations between the two nations have been fraught with animosity. For instance, in a dramatic announcement in 2019, North Korean media declared the country’s decision to “shut down all contact” with South Korea, demanding that Seoul prevent activists from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. Recently, in early October, Kim Jong-un renewed hostilities, threatening to use nuclear weapons against South Korea in the event of an attack, as reported by state media.
- North Korea is resuming the practice of flying trash-filled balloons across the border, as reported by Seoul.
- North Korea has detonated inter-Korean roads in a show of cross-border aggression.
In response to these provocations, South Korea has ramped up its weapons production in anticipation of a potential attack. Last year, the country’s Defense Ministry announced plans to invest €223.78 billion over the next five years to enhance its defense capabilities.