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2024 - 11 - 5

North Korea to the Rescue? Troops in Russia and the Unlikeliest of Alliances!

G7 - Geopolitics - Korean People's Army - North Korea - Russia - Ukraine

As North Korea sends thousands of troops to support Russia in Ukraine, it raises questions: Are they cannon fodder or strategic allies? Find out what this means for global power dynamics!

In a baffling twist on the Eastern European front, North Korea is reportedly dispatching an astonishing 12,000 troops to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The last significant combat experience for North Korea's armed forces—the Korean People's Army (KPA)—dates back to the 1953 Korean War, making this deployment an odd yet intriguing development. Experts speculate that Pyongyang is not just flexing its military muscle but rather entrenching itself further into the global geopolitics of the region. If there was ever a chance to paint themselves as allies instead of outcasts, this might be North Korea's golden ticket.

However, the decision to toss these troops into the fray has left quite the sour taste in the mouths of both G7 nations and Kyiv. While Russia grapples with significant troop losses, bringing in outsiders—especially from a regime notorious for its strict discipline and ruthlessness—might seem like a double-edged sword. What should be a surprise support call could quickly turn into a chaotic powder keg. North Korean troops were reportedly involved in fratricidal incidents, shooting at their own comrades!

Rich in deadly munitions and supported by tales of North Korea possibly trading arms for access to Russian weapons, this relationship hangs in a delicate balance. Pyongyang may see this as an opportunity to gain leverage in its long-standing political chess match with the West, reducing its reliance on its traditional ally, China. This burgeoning partnership could radically alter the security landscape in East Asia and even spur a re-examination of NATO's roles in regional conflicts.

On a lighter note, while it may seem absurd at first, the thought of North Korean soldiers engaging in high-stakes combat alongside Russians conjures images reminiscent of weird buddy cop comedies gone rogue—just one sneeze away from an international incident! Who knew the drama veering into the realm of diplomacy would involve North Koreans and the Kremlin having a UFC-style throwdown? But given the seriousness of the situation, the world will be watching to see if this alliance of necessity turns into an enduring strategic friendship or just another notch in the historical belt of incorrectly predicted alliances.

Interestingly, the Korean People's Army may not have seen conventional combat in decades, but their loyalty to the Kim regime has been unwavering, suggesting they may fight harder than one might expect. The North's use of troops in Russia could open the door to future geopolitical alignments that we previously deemed impossible, illustrating that in geopolitics, absurdity often walks hand in hand with reality—and sometimes, the most unlikely alliances can shape the world.

As for the global repercussions? If North Korean soldiers truly begin to incur losses against Ukrainian forces, it may throw a wrench in their proud narrative. A spark might just ignite the bigger conversation on international military collaborations and the strange bedfellows they can create in pursuit of power—because when it comes to global politics, nothing is outside the realm of possibility!

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Image courtesy of "Forces Network"

What does North Korea gain by sending troops to support Russia's ... (Forces Network)

The last time the Korean People's Army (KPA) saw any meaningful conventional combat was back in 1953 during the Korean War. For Pyongyang, sending thousands of ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Ukraine begins shelling North Korean troops inside Russia, Kyiv ... (Sky News)

Pyongyang units have been shelled in the Kursk region as US intelligence says up to 12000 North Korean soldiers are being sent to fight in the war.

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Image courtesy of "European Council on Foreign Relations"

Pyongyang's power play: How the EU should respond to North ... (European Council on Foreign Relations)

North Korea's troop deployment to the Russian front represents a fundamental shift in Europe's security relations with east Asia.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

North Korean troops reportedly on Russian front lines amid ... (Aljazeera.com)

A combat role for Pyongyang's troops risks entry of third state into conflict prompted by Moscow's invasion in 2022.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

North Korea's troops heading to Ukraine's frontline as cannon fodder ... (The Independent)

G7 nations say Russia's deployment of North Korean troops is a sign of desperation as Vladimir Putin looks to plug troop losses.

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Image courtesy of "E-International Relations"

Opinion – North Korea's Gambit in the Russia-Ukraine War (E-International Relations)

Russia offers Pyongyang geopolitical leverage, enabling North Korea to diversify its foreign partnerships and reduce its dependence on China.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

North Korean troops 'gun down their own Russian comrades after ... (Daily Mail)

A Russian soldier has revealed how North Korean troops sent to aid in Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine gunned down their own comrades after shooting in ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

North Korean Troops Are in Russia to Fight Against Ukraine. Here's ... (The New York Times)

North Korea's supply of munitions was already critical to Russia's war effort. Now, its troops have joined the fight.

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

Ukrainian troops engaged with North Korean units for first time in ... (PBS NewsHour)

Another Kyiv official said Ukraine's army fired artillery at North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk border region. The comments were the first official reports ...

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