Published: October 28, 2024
In a stunning twist that underscores the increasingly unbalanced alliance between North Korea and Russia, Kim Jong-un has reportedly deployed 10,000 of his soldiers to support Vladimir Putin’s staggering losses in Ukraine. The move, confirmed by U.S. intelligence, shows Kim flexing his influence over the embattled Russian president, whose forces are reeling from an estimated 600,000 casualties.
A Desperate Putin Turns to Kim’s Forces
For Putin, whose offensive in Ukraine has hit repeated setbacks, the reliance on Kim’s troops marks a new low. Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokesperson, disclosed that the North Korean forces are being trained in Russia’s Kursk region and are expected to enter combat in mere weeks. “This deployment,” Singh said, “reveals Putin’s growing dependence on foreign forces as Russian casualties skyrocket.”
Kim Jong-un’s forces are not just symbolic support. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the move “a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war,” one that shows Putin is now deeply reliant on alliances with authoritarian leaders, even at the risk of losing control over the battlefield’s direction. Speaking from Brussels, Rutte noted that the troop surge reflects Putin’s desperation as his army struggles to sustain its offensive without external help.
Kim’s Soldiers on Russian Soil: Evidence of Putin’s Dependency
Recent footage analyzed by intelligence agencies appears to show North Korean soldiers undergoing military training with Russian forces near Vladivostok. The video, reportedly featuring Korean phrases spoken with distinct North Korean accents, gives a chilling glimpse of Kim’s troops being prepped for frontline deployment. Sources claim these soldiers, likely trained in artillery and close combat, represent the next phase in Russia’s strategy to bolster its depleted ranks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced deep concerns, warning that this alliance marks a significant escalation in the conflict. “This is no ordinary alliance,” he said, adding that North Korean troops could bring a brutal intensity to the front lines. The move raises fears that Kim, increasingly able to dictate his terms, is “enslaving” Putin into a subservient role, with the Russian leader more dependent than ever on foreign forces to sustain his offensive.
North Korean Defectors Offer to Help Ukraine Counter Kim’s Influence
Meanwhile, a surprising group has emerged to counter North Korea’s involvement: 200 North Korean defectors, many of whom have military backgrounds, have pledged their assistance to Ukraine. Ahn Chan-il, a defector who has served in the North Korean military, stated, “We understand North Korea’s military culture and psychological state better than anyone.” The group believes they can play a vital role in psychological operations, aiming to sway North Korean soldiers away from fighting.
These defectors have reached out to Ukraine’s government, hoping to serve as interpreters, leaflet distributors, and loudspeaker operators, all with the aim of demoralizing North Korean troops and encouraging them to abandon Putin’s cause.
Kim’s Influence Grows as Putin’s Power Wanes
This new alliance highlights the shifting power dynamics between Kim and Putin, with the Russian leader increasingly relying on Kim’s military assets as his own resources dwindle. As NATO, Ukraine, and defectors all seek ways to counter this new threat, one question remains: Is Putin truly in control, or has he become Kim Jong-un’s puppet in a war that is slipping through his fingers?
