What will be the consequences of the presence of North Korean soldiers in the war in Ukraine?
Author: Ahmad Saidi, Afghanistan and regional affairs analyst (Switzerland), especially for Sangar
The presence of North Korean soldiers to protect the Russian Federation in the war in Ukraine is no longer a mystery, but a fact.
Ms. Choi Sun Hee, the Foreign Minister of North Korea, during her visit to Moscow, said that her country will stand by the Russian Federation until the day of victory.
Now I want to write, what will be the consequences of sending North Korean troops to Ukraine to help the Russian Federation?
Can this lead to serious political, military, and economic tensions that will affect all parties involved?
I am writing to my friends the following:
a) Increased tensions between the Russian Federation and the West
The entry of North Korean troops into the war in Ukraine in the framework of cooperation with the Russian Federation will most likely provoke a reaction from Western countries. This action could lead to increased international pressure on Russia and even more sanctions against the Russian Federation and North Korea.
b) Strengthening Russia's Hand in the War
North Korea has a large and experienced army that has been through many difficult situations. This presence could help strengthen Russia's hand in terms of ground force numbers, and in regions where Russia is engaged in intense wars, it could lead to greater progress or at least resistance.
c) Impact on Ukraine's Domestic Situation
The presence of foreign troops, such as those of North Korea, could increase the resolve of Ukraine and its Western allies to strengthen the Ukrainian army. It could also increase national solidarity and the spirit of resistance among the Ukrainian people.
e) Increasing Casualties and Military Expenditures
The presence of more foreign forces in the war could lead to increased casualties and military expenditures, as conflicts become more intense and complex as more troops are brought in, and could lead to larger operations and greater destruction in Ukraine.
f) Deepening military relations between North Korea and the Russian Federation
Now that North Korea has sent its troops to support the Russian Federation, the military-strategic relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened. These ties may lead to further military cooperation and even the improvement of North Korean military technology in the future.
g) Political Implications for North Korea
This move will likely make North Korea known as a strong supporter of Russia and thus become even more isolated. In addition, more countries may join international sanctions against North Korea and put more economic pressure on Pyongyang.
i) Risk of Conflict Spreading to Other Territories
The presence of forces from other countries in the war in Ukraine may become a pretext for other countries to act in support of or against these forces. This situation may create a risk of conflicts spreading to other regions and even lead to new international confrontations.
Overall, sending North Korean troops to Ukraine to support the Russian Federation may increase the complications and risks of this conflict and may even lead to strategic changes in the course of the war. There is even a risk that this war will become larger and more deadly.
