November 6, 2024 | Flash Brief

In Escalation of Russian Invasion, North Korean and Ukrainian Troops Clash for First Time

November 6, 2024 | Flash Brief

In Escalation of Russian Invasion, North Korean and Ukrainian Troops Clash for First Time

Latest Developments

Clashes Reported in Kursk Region: Ukrainian officials claimed on November 5 that Ukrainian troops traded artillery fire with North Korean units in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. A day earlier, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the United States estimated that North Korea had sent “around 11,000 to 12,000” troops to Russia, “at least 10,000” of whom had deployed to the Kursk region, where Ukraine seized a large swathe of territory in a surprise offensive in August. According to Washington, the North Korean troops have received Russian training on basic infantry tactics, including trench clearing, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery.

New Level of Escalation: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the involvement of North Korean forces — the first outside government to send troops to engage in frontline combat — was a “true escalation” and marked “a new chapter of global instability.” He urged Ukrainian allies to do everything to ensure the venture is unsuccessful. Zelensky’s comments echoed warnings last week from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who said the soldiers’ deployment would mark a “dangerous expansion” of the war.

Reviving Cold-War Defense Pact: During Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June, the two authoritarian regimes revived a Cold War-era defense pact that requires them to provide military aid to each other if either is attacked. The legislation was approved by the upper house of Russia’s parliament on November 6 after passing the lower house last month. Since at least August 2023, North Korea has provided Russia with millions of artillery shells for use against Ukrainian forces.

FDD Expert Response

“Vladimir Putin is using North Korean artillery shells and human cannon fodder in his war of conquest against Ukraine, a fledgling democracy and his next-door neighbor. The response of civilized nations should be to increase their support for Ukrainians fighting for their homes and families.” Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“The North Korean troops represent a strategic messaging signal by North Korea and Russia. The more significant battlefield impact comes from the nearly six million artillery rounds North Korea has given Russia. This is all a reminder that Ukraine is fighting not just Russia, but North Korea, Iran, and China as well.” RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“While not as militarily significant as the millions of artillery shells Pyongyang has supplied to Moscow, the North Korean troops could make life harder for a Ukrainian military that’s already stretched thin and facing a Russian advantage in manpower. It remains to be seen how these troops will fare in combat and how well they’ll be able to integrate with Russian forces. But they could help Russia retake more of the Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk Oblast or allow Moscow to concentrate more of its own forces in Ukraine. Kyiv is understandably frustrated that even as it pleads for more Western assistance, the Hermit Kingdom is sending aid to Russia that, in some ways, exceeds what Ukraine has received from far wealthier Western countries. Hopefully, the North Korean deployment will prompt further reflection on why that is and how we can change it.” — John Hardie, Deputy Director of FDD’s Russia Program

FDD Background and Analysis

The Sting Doctrine,” by Clifford D. May

North Korean Troops in Ukraine: Are We on the Path to World War III?” by Boaz Golany and Jacob Nagel

North Korea’s troops reveal Putin’s Ukraine pickle — no more cannon fodder,” by Peter Doran

Russia Acquires North Korean Missiles, Eyes Iranian Missiles,” FDD Flash Brief

Issues:

Issues:

North Korea Russia Ukraine

Topics:

Topics:

China Clifford May Cold War Iran Kursk Oblast Kyiv Moscow NATO North Korea Pyongyang Rear admiral Russia Ukraine Ukrainians United States Vladimir Putin Volodymyr Zelenskyy World War III