The destruction of a North Korean anti-tank vehicle Bags-4 by Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv region constitutes a resounding confirmation of North Korea's involvement in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. This development, supported by evidence of the presence of North Korean troops, marks a new phase in the escalation of this conflict which has lasted since 2022.
Ukraine: a strategic alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang
Cooperation between Russia and North Korea intensified in 2024, in particular by sending North Korean military equipment to the Ukrainian front. THE Bags-4an advanced anti-tank weapon system, therefore naturally found itself on the front lines. Negotiations between senior military officials from the two countries, including the visit of the Russian Defense Minister to North Korea in November 2024, demonstrate the shared ambition of these nations to put up a strengthened front against the West.
The Bags-4 : A sophisticated anti-tank armored vehicle
The Bulsae-4 is a mobile system capable of destroying armored vehicles using long-range guided missiles. Designed to operate remotely and without direct line of sight, it poses a significant threat on the battlefield, particularly in the context of intensive fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Key Features:
- Origin : Developed by North Korea.
- Scope : Designed to engage targets at long range.
- Efficiency : Ideal for rapid strikes against armored vehicles.
The destruction of such a system, confirmed by Ukraine, demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of its drones, in particular the Windbreaker brigade, which carried out this operation with precision and transparency, documented by publicly broadcast images.
Direct involvement: North Korean soldiers in Ukraine
Beyond the equipment, North Korean troops have been identified in the theater of operations. According to Ukrainian and Western sources, North Korean soldiers would have been deployed as early as summer 2024 in areas close to the Ukrainian border, such as the Kursk region, where they assist Russian forces.
Roles of North Korean soldiers:
- Provide technical support for complex weapon systems.
- Participate in the fighting, marking a first direct confrontation with Ukrainian troops in November 2024.
Reports indicate several thousand North Korean troops are stationed near the front lines, bolstering Russian capabilities.
North Korean involvement transforms the conflict into a more complex global issue. From a tactical point of view, it introduces new challenges for the Ukrainian army, which must adapt its strategies in the face of unfamiliar weapons and methods. Geopolitically, this deepened cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could influence the balance of power in the region.
Ukraine's allies, particularly NATO, are closely monitoring this escalation. Additional deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine could be considered to counter this new threat. Confirmation of North Korean involvement also serves as leverage to intensify diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.
