The Hidden War: North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine and the Grim Reality of Their Plight
Introduction to the Crisis
The involvement of North Korean soldiers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought to light a harrowing reality about the treatment and mindset of Pyongyang’s military personnel. According to a former North Korean sergeant, Ryu Seong-hyeon, who defected to South Korea in 2019, the regime imposes a brutal ultimatum on its soldiers: they are ordered to kill themselves rather than be captured alive, as the consequences for their families would be dire. This grim directive has resulted in few North Korean soldiers being taken prisoner, despite estimates suggesting that over 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The conflict has already claimed the lives of approximately 300 North Korean soldiers, with more than 2,700 wounded, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
The Consequences of Capture: A Death Sentence for Families
The fear of capture is deeply ingrained in North Korean soldiers, as they are explicitly warned that failure to comply with the regime’s orders will result in severe repercussions for their loved ones. Another defector, Pak Yusung, revealed that if a soldier is captured and provides information to the enemy, their family members could face imprisonment in political prison camps or even public execution. This draconian policy ensures that soldiers prioritize death over captivity, viewing capture as an unbearable shame. The psychological toll of such threats is immense, leaving soldiers with little choice but to fight to the death or take their own lives.
Deployment and Casualties: The Scale of North Korea’s Involvement
North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict is both significant and secretive. While the exact number of troops deployed is unknown, U.S. estimates suggest that more than 12,000 soldiers have been sent to Russia. These soldiers are reportedly armed with North Korean weaponry, which has also been supplied to Russian forces. The conflict has proven devastating for North Korean troops, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. South Korea’s intelligence agency has also revealed that additional soldiers were dispatched to the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region earlier this year, following a lull in fighting. The continued deployment of North Korean soldiers underscores Pyongyang’s commitment to supporting Russia in the war, despite the heavy cost in human lives.
The Struggle to Adapt: North Korean Soldiers and Modern Warfare
The transition to modern warfare has proven challenging for North Korean soldiers, many of whom lack the training and resources to effectively engage with advanced military technology. Videos released by Ukrainian forces appear to show North Korean soldiers being targeted by attack drones, a weapon they are ill-equipped to counter. Defectors Ryu and Pak highlighted that most North Korean soldiers have never encountered drones before deployment, leaving them unprepared to defend against such threats. The lack of modern military training and resources has led to "massive casualties," according to South Korean intelligence. Soldiers are often forced to shoot at long-range drones, a tactic deemed "useless" by analysts, further exacerbating their vulnerability on the battlefield.
Lured by Lies: The False Promises Made to North Korean Soldiers
North Korean soldiers are not merely conscripts but are lured into fighting in Ukraine with false promises of food, financial incentives, and the opportunity to see the world. Ryu Seong-hyeon admitted that, had he still been a soldier, he too would have been tempted by the promise of better living conditions and the chance to experience life beyond North Korea’s borders. However, these soldiers are woefully unprepared for the realities of war and are instead thrust into a conflict where their chances of survival are slim. Defectors have also revealed that North Korean propaganda manipulates soldiers into believing they are fighting against "American wolves," a narrative designed to instill hatred and justify their involvement in the war.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for the World and Calls for Accountability
The deployment of North Korean soldiers to Ukraine raises troubling questions about the global implications of this alliance. Pak Yusung, a researcher at the North Korea Institute, warns that Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict not only strengthens the "dictator alliance" between North Korea and Russia but also provides Kim Jong Un with critical technology and combat experience. This could embolden North Korea in future conflicts, particularly on the Korean Peninsula. Defectors and activists are urging the international community to condemn both Russia and North Korea for their roles in the war and to hold Kim Jong Un accountable for human rights violations through the International Criminal Court. As the conflict continues, the plight of North Korean soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the necessity for global action to address the atrocities committed by authoritarian regimes.
