Insight from Defectors: North Korean Troops in Russia's Ukraine Conflict

Over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly joined Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting insights from defectors who share concerns about their training, morale, and potential for adaptability in combat.

Haneul, a former North Korean soldier who defected in 2012, recalls his military experience as dominated by hunger, marking a stark contrast to the expectations set by North Korea's state propaganda. His stories provide insight into the welfare of the approximately 11,000 North Korean troops deployed to aid Russian forces in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, particularly in the Kursk region.

Recent reports from South Korea, Kyiv, and Washington suggest that these North Korean troops have begun engaging in combat, with South Korean officials estimating over 100 casualties among them. While initial assessments might lead some to dismiss these soldiers as "cannon fodder," military defectors argue against underestimating them. According to Lee Hyun Seung, a former special forces trainer who defected in 2014, these soldiers, drawn mainly from elite units, have high morale but limited understanding of modern warfare tactics.

The Storm Corps, the unit most deployed to help Russia, is composed mainly of those who have undergone rigorous training. However, defectors like Ryu Seonghyun describe a harsh regimen marked by extreme food shortages, even for special forces. They assert that while these troops may adapt quickly to battlefield conditions in Ukraine, they are not frontline units specifically assigned to direct combat.

Language barriers have been identified as a major obstacle, with some incidents reported of accidental fire on Russian positions. Despite these challenges, defectors stress the unwavering loyalty instilled in these soldiers from early childhood through intense ideological training sessions.

The potential for further troop deployments looms large, with estimates suggesting North Korea could send an additional 60,000 or more as the war continues. This could manifest as both an opportunity for ambitious soldiers seeking career advancement and a demonstration of Kim Jong Un's willingness to absorb heavy losses without destabilizing his regime.

While the chances of mass defections appear slim, the psychological operations designed to encourage surrenders face hurdles. Former soldiers note the cultural stigma around surrendering in North Korea and the likelihood that defectors would be met with hostility from superiors. The hope remains that familiar voices from defectors may inspire some of these soldiers to reconsider their loyalty.

Haneul reflects apprehensively on the fate of any relatives who may be fighting, expressing a desire for their safe return. Regardless of their immediate circumstances, the lives of these North Korean troops remain bound to the political tensions that dictate their actions on and off the battlefield.