Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia, marking Europe's largest conflict since World War II. The presence of these troops, shrouded in secrecy, has not been officially acknowledged by Moscow or Pyongyang.
Reports from US, Ukrainian, and South Korean intelligence suggest that North Korean soldiers have already engaged in combat operations in the Kursk region, resulting in several hundred casualties. Despite lacking battle experience, these troops, including elite forces from the Storm Corps, are being prepared for the modern war theater.
However, challenges such as drone warfare and the possibility of facing US-made weapons pose significant threats to the North Korean soldiers. Training includes basic military terms and skills like trench-clearing, with an emphasis on embedding within the Russian military for integration.
Life as a North Korean soldier is described as harsh, with accounts of malnutrition, accidents during training, and reports of soldiers resorting to stealing food. While some units are well-supplied, the overall population in North Korea faces serious food shortages and famines.
The 11th Army Corps, to which these soldiers belong, holds a privileged position in North Korean society, requiring loyalty to the regime and physical acuity for admission. Special forces within this division are trained for disruptive missions, including assassinations and sabotage.
North Korean soldiers are known for their extreme loyalty, with some commando units trained to take their own lives rather than be captured. Kim Jong Un's efforts to enhance the efficiency of the North Korean army include hand-picking soldiers and rotating them through specific weaponry.
