North Korean soldiers. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AFP
The escalation of the conflict in Ukraine took a step forward with the alleged engagement of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian forces. Recent American declarations reveal a complex international dimension, where foreign fighters now find themselves on the ground of a war which is upsetting the geopolitical balance.
For almost two years, the Ukrainian conflict has continued to surprise with its strategic twists and turns. Military reports now suggest the direct involvement of North Korean troops in the clashes, particularly in the Russian region of Koursk. A senior American official recently estimated that several hundred North Korean soldiers were killed or injured, confirming a previously hidden military presence.
The Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandre Syrskyunderlined the intensity of the offensive operations carried out in recent days, highlighting the commitment of these foreign units. Western sources report the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers to support the Russian army, although Moscow and Pyongyang remain cautious in their official communications.
A critical element emerges from this information: these North Korean soldiers would be novice fighters, which would potentially explain their heavy losses against the Ukrainian forces. This intervention takes place in the context of a recent mutual defense agreement between Russia and North Koreasigned last December, which provides for military assistance in the event of aggression.
The geopolitical panorama is thus emerging with increasing complexity. The United States, Kyiv’s main military supporter, continues to supply Ukraine with equipment, while troop movements and alliances are reconfigured. The Biden administration maintains its commitment, although the American political horizon is poised for significant changes.
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