Nigeria’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has disclosed that North Korea has deployed around 11,000 elite troops to Ukraine in support of Russia’s war efforts, accounting for over 20% of Kim Jong Un’s ‘personal reserve’ force. Umerov stated, “These are soldiers specially selected based on physical, psychological, and other criteria. These units have already suffered significant losses.” This information has sparked alarm not only in Ukraine but also among its allies and NATO members as it highlights the increasing entanglement of North Korea in the conflict.
The military alliance between Russia and North Korea has been a major point of concern for Kyiv and its allies. The two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2024, which binds them to provide mutual assistance in cases of military aggression. While North Korea has framed this accord as having a ‘peaceful and defensive nature,’ Umerov noted that Russia’s use of North Korean troops indicates serious issues in its own military mobilization and recruitment systems.
According to Umerov, the deployment of North Korean units has raised red flags about Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort. He explained, “Russia’s reliance on elite North Korean troops demonstrates not only a growing reliance on totalitarian regimes but also serious problems with its mobilization reserve. Together with our partners, we are monitoring these threats and will respond accordingly.” Umerov also highlighted that Ukraine, in coordination with its Western allies, is actively tracking the movements and deployments of these North Korean units, further indicating the potential for broader geopolitical tensions.
Umerov also mentioned that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service is predicting that North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia over the summer. This could bring the total number of North Korean soldiers in the conflict to as many as 30,000. Furthermore, South Korea estimates that North Korea may also send up to 25,000 laborers to Russia to aid in drone production. These developments are seen as a strategic move by North Korea to solidify its ties with Russia while simultaneously receiving substantial economic and technical assistance from Moscow.
The continued deployment of North Korean forces has raised concerns about the stability of the North Korean regime. Umerov warned that further military interventions could further deplete North Korea’s strategic reserves and increase the risks to its regime. He also mentioned that North Korea had previously considered sending additional military support to Ukraine, although he noted that any such move would increase the strain on North Korea’s military and threaten its stability.
The situation has significant implications for global geopolitics, particularly in light of the growing tensions between Russia and the West. The involvement of North Korea in the conflict not only underscores the complexity of international relations but also serves as a reminder of the potential for regional conflicts to escalate into broader confrontations. This ongoing situation requires careful analysis and monitoring by all concerned parties to avoid further destabilization and ensure that geopolitical interests are managed effectively.
In conclusion, the deployment of North Korean troops to the Ukraine conflict highlights the increasing entanglement of North Korea in international conflicts. It also raises important questions about the stability of the North Korean regime and the potential impact of its military interventions on its own security and economy. Umerov’s statements, along with the additional reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, underscore the need for continued vigilance and strategic coordination among global powers to navigate the complexities of this emerging geopolitical landscape.