The involvement of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine raises several significant concerns and dangers:
Escalation of the Conflict
The involvement of foreign soldiers, especially from North Korea, could lead to an escalation of the war in Ukraine. North Korea is an isolated and highly militarized state with little regard for international norms, and their soldiers might be more aggressive, complicating an already volatile situation.
Proxy War Dynamics
The Ukraine war already has a proxy dimension, with Russia receiving support from some nations like Iran (through drones) and Ukraine being backed by NATO countries. The introduction of North Korean soldiers further intensifies the proxy war nature of the conflict, potentially drawing in more states or heightening tensions among world powers.
Human Rights Violations
North Korean soldiers are trained under an authoritarian regime that has been accused of extensive human rights abuses. Their presence on the battlefield raises concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, especially against civilians or prisoners of war.
Strengthening Russia-North Korea Ties
North Korean military involvement shows deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. This could embolden North Korea in its military ambitions, especially with regard to its nuclear program, given that Russia could potentially offer military or technological assistance in return.
Destabilization in Asia-Pacific
If North Korea’s participation in the Ukraine war becomes significant, it could divert international attention and resources from containing the threat posed by Pyongyang in the Asia-Pacific. North Korea might take advantage of the situation to conduct more missile tests or further develop its nuclear capabilities.
Impact on Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea’s involvement complicates any ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. It also strains relations between the countries supporting Ukraine and those with ties to North Korea, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
In summary, the presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine deepens the conflict’s complexity and carry risks of escalation, human rights abuses, and broader geopolitical destabilization.
North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia, at the cost of 20 million dollars per month for 10,000 soldiers.