Recent reports of North Korean troops supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine have drawn international attention. This marks an escalation from North Korea’s previous material support to direct military involvement.
Daily NK conducted interviews with two sources in Russia to gauge reactions to this development, including a Russian citizen and a North Korean construction worker.
The Russian perspective suggests skepticism about the military value of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict. However, the North Korean perspective reveals pride in this deployment, with hopes it will enhance their country’s military prestige globally.
Below are our interviews with:
(A) A Russian citizen
(B) A North Korean construction worker currently in Russia
Daily NK: Have you heard the news about North Korea deploying troops to Russia?
A: I saw the news recently, and it’s become a big conversation topic for some Russians here.
B: I heard about it from Russian traders in the construction field. Managers and workers have been talking a lot about North Korean soldiers preparing to join the war in Russia.
Daily NK: What were your first thoughts on hearing this news? And how did your friends and acquaintances react?
A: I’d never imagined that Russia would receive help from North Korea. Many people are doubtful whether North Korean troops will actually be helpful in Ukraine.
B: At first, I was shocked. Some people with children or nephews in the army are worried. Others feel proud both that a military power like Russia needs North Korean soldiers, and also that our two countries are joining forces militarily at a time of great difficulty.
Daily NK: How much of an impact will the North Korean troop deployment have on Russia’s war against Ukraine?
A: In all honesty, I don’t think it will have a big impact. I’m not sure they’ll make any difference in the war. Most people here think the North Koreans are just a substitute for Russian young people here who don’t want to join the army.
B: If the North Korean soldiers are special forces, they’ve been put through rigorous training day in and day out to prepare them as all-purpose soldiers. So I think they would provide real help to the Russian army on the battlefield. Russian traders say that many Russian youth try to dodge the draft. If Russia doesn’t have enough troops for the war, North Korean soldiers could have a role to play.
Daily NK: How do you see the North Korean troop deployment? Can you share your personal opinions and the opinions of your acquaintances?
A: Personally, I see it negatively. If we’re running so low on troops we have to rely on North Korean soldiers, I think that’s a warning sign for the country. Many of the Russians I know view it negatively as well. Along with doubts about how much the North Korean troops would actually contribute to the war, some also think this will leave us in debt to North Korea.
B: Personally, I think it’s a shame that North Korean soldiers may lose their lives in a war that has nothing to do with us. We’ve come to Russia to make a living, but many people feel sorry for those innocent sons and nephews who could very well die on the battlefield. But on a national level, I think it will boost our military prestige if our soldiers make a good showing in Russia’s war. Several people here seem to feel that the military prowess of the Korean People’s Army is getting recognition from Russia and from the world.
The Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
