North Korea pledges support to Russia ‘Until Victory’ in Ukraine amid escalating military tensions

North Korea’s Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui, recently announced that her nation stands by Russia “until it achieves victory” in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This declaration was made during a diplomatic visit to Moscow on Friday, as rumors swirl about the potential deployment of 8,000 North Korean soldiers to aid Russian forces. Choe’s statements mark a deepening alignment between North Korea and Russia, and the exchange between her and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov showcased the countries’ strengthened alliance.

Strengthening Ties Between North Korea and Russia

In a joint press event, Choe and Lavrov spoke on the new “levels” of cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Choe accused the United States and South Korea of escalating global tensions through military buildup and “war provocations.” She applauded Russia’s stand against what she called the “hegemonic practices” of the West, reiterating that North Korea remains committed to supporting Russia’s goals in Ukraine.

Lavrov, in turn, expressed gratitude for North Korea’s “principled” position on the Ukraine conflict. He highlighted the “very close contacts” established between the militaries of the two nations. However, neither official directly addressed the widespread reports that North Korea is preparing to send thousands of troops to the conflict zone.

U.S. and South Korean Reactions to North Korean Troop Deployment Rumors

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about the reported deployment of North Korean troops to support Russian forces. Austin said at a joint press conference that intelligence suggests at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed, with approximately 8,000 believed to be in Russia’s Kursk region already. Blinken indicated that North Korean forces may join active combat in Ukraine in the coming days.

With over half a million Russian soldiers reportedly killed or injured since the start of the war on February 24, 2022, North Korea’s support may offer some relief to Russia’s strained resources. However, analysts warn that North Korean troops may face significant challenges due to unfamiliar terrain and adverse weather, which could lead to heavy casualties.

New U.S. Security Aid to Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Department (DOD) announced a $425 million security package for Ukraine, marking the 69th such delivery since August 2021. This aid includes air defense interceptors, rocket munitions, artillery, armored vehicles, and anti-tank systems, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against the escalating Russian aggression.

The DOD’s statement emphasized ongoing cooperation with over 50 allied nations in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which coordinates efforts to meet Ukraine’s pressing battlefield needs.

Intensifying Drone Warfare and Regional Attacks

The conflict’s intensity reached new levels in October, with Ukraine’s military reporting a record-breaking 2,023 Russian drone attacks, nearly 700 more than in September. Since the start of 2024, Russia has launched 6,987 drone attacks, highlighting its increasing reliance on unmanned aerial strikes.

On Friday alone, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 83 Ukrainian drones across several regions, including 36 in Kursk, 20 in Bryansk, and 12 in Crimea. Civilian infrastructure also suffered: a Ukrainian drone crashed into an apartment building in Bryansk, injuring one person, and another drone ignited a fire at an oil depot in Svetlograd.

In Ukraine, Russian missiles struck a fire station in the port city of Odesa, injuring two firefighters. Ukraine’s air defenses also intercepted 31 Russian drones and a missile across multiple regions.

Global Implications of North Korea-Russia Alliance

North Korea’s pledge to support Russia “until victory” introduces a new dynamic to the already complex conflict in Ukraine. The potential deployment of North Korean troops could reshape strategic calculations, not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for the U.S. and its allies. As both Russia and North Korea face international sanctions and isolation, their alliance appears to be both a practical and symbolic counter to Western influence.

With North Korea’s support, Russia gains not just military reinforcements but a powerful political statement against the U.S. and NATO alliances in the region. The U.S. response will likely continue to be one of heightened support for Ukraine and intensified diplomatic efforts to isolate both Russia and North Korea on the global stage. [VOA News]