The assimilation into Russian forces at the military complex in the Far East of Russia appears to be the assimilation that North Korean troops have received to be used in the war against Ukraine. An analysis recently conducted by the Washington Post through videos published on social media and satellite imagery claims that North Korean presence is growing at the Sergeevka military training ground, close to Vladivostok and near North Korea.
Footage shows several dozen men who appear to be of North Korean extraction at the training facility. These sightings coincide with statements made recently by Washington, Kyiv, and Seoul: North Korean soldiers might be being trained to bolster the Russian war effort, and this is a development of international significance. Recent Maxar Technologies satellite imagery does show increased activity at Sergeevka, with new trenches, structures, and increased military vehicles.
A North Korean official recently stated that “the army stationed by this company would follow the legal norms established under international law,” whereas Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to a defense agreement with North Korea that explained mutual defense if either one were attacked.
The Biden administration reported this week it had delivered at least 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia for training. Officials from South Korea’s spy agency claim that these troops are the country’s elite special operations forces known as the “Storm Corps,” which reportedly have been issued IDs and equipment resembling Siberian ethnic minorities. Still, many remain skeptical about the extent and purpose of North Korean troops in the region.
Analysts view this unusual deployment as a strategically critical move. Pyongyang never took part in combat in battles abroad, which makes the new status of foreign involvement in battles an incredible change. Experts believe that for Pyongyang, this cooperation can provide insight into how modern war is waged, and even improve its alliance with Moscow while watching what the United States and its allies do next.
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