North Korea Trained by Russia in Advanced Military Techniques Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russia’s Defense Ministry has released videos of North Korean soldiers training with advanced Russian weaponry such as AK-12s and RPG-7s. This partnership raises concerns among Western officials regarding North Korea’s military proficiency and its role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. State Department has condemned North Korea’s involvement as contributing to Russia’s war efforts.

In a development that raises international eyebrows, Russia’s Defense Ministry has shared new footage showcasing North Korean soldiers undergoing training with advanced Russian weaponry. The equipment highlighted includes the AK-12 assault rifles, the Dragunov sniper rifles, and the Vepr-12 shotguns, notably modified for targeting drones. This collaboration, while perhaps expected, has ignited concerns among Western and South Korean officials over the potential enhancement of North Korean military capabilities.

The training video depicts North Korean troops engaged in various military exercises, such as clearing trenches, handling grenades, and operating RPG-7s—rocket-propelled grenade launchers still utilized by Russian forces today. This specific weaponry and training comes as Ukraine’s intelligence agencies allege that Russia had previously supplied these arms to North Korea in late 2024. However, confirmation regarding the exact location of the North Korean forces remains elusive, despite reports indicating deployments near Kursk.

Concerns are mounting following Moscow’s acknowledgment, after a period of quiet, that North Korean troops are actively taking part in conflicts against Ukrainian forces. Western analysts emphasize that this involvement equips North Korean soldiers with critical combat experience, especially as they learn to navigate environments laden with modern weapon systems and drone technology. Reports indicate that despite initial high casualty rates and an apparent lack of experience, North Korean forces appear to be adjusting to their new combat landscape.

Significantly, Russia is said to be exchanging military technology with North Korea in return for sending its troops to fight alongside Russian military forces in Ukraine. Earlier reports suggested that the collective number of North Korean soldiers dispatched to Russia could be as high as 12,000, although South Korean estimates place that figure at around 11,000. These troops have been reportedly instrumental in Russia’s efforts to reclaim territories from Ukrainian control, especially in the Kursk Oblast.

The involvement of North Korean soldiers has drawn sharp condemnation from the U.S. State Department, positing that this engagement bolsters Russia’s ongoing military campaign against Ukraine and holds North Korea accountable for its actions. Moreover, prior reports indicated that North Korean troops, when captured in Ukraine, disclosed the existence of a military training facility designed to simulate major South Korean urban settings, particularly Seoul.

South Korean lawmaker Yoo Young-won recently visited Ukraine, where he met with two North Korean prisoners of war. During his visit, he learned that this training base sits in Koksan County, within North Hwanghae Province, located conveniently close to the Demilitarized Zone and only about 65 kilometers away from South Korea itself. Such developments spotlight the intricate web of military alliances and heightened tensions in the region, escalating fears of an empowered North Korea in the global framework.

In summary, the joint military efforts between Russia and North Korea have raised serious questions among Western nations regarding the implications of advanced weapon training for North Korean forces. The exchange of military technologies and the active involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine’s conflict could bolster Pyongyang’s combat skills, adapting them to modern warfare concepts. As these dynamics unfold, they will undoubtedly require close monitoring from international observers.

Original Source: euromaidanpress.com