North Korea's Role in Ukraine: A New Front in Global Power Struggles

North Korea has reportedly deployed troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, escalating an already volatile conflict. U.S. President Joe Biden responded by authorizing the use of long-range missile strikes on Russian targets. This response highlights the deepening complexities of a war that now involves an increasing array of external players.

Historical Context: North Korea's Global Military Support

North Korea’s involvement in foreign conflicts is not unprecedented. Historically, Pyongyang has supported revolutionary groups, insurgents, and regimes in over 62 countries. More than 5,000 foreign personnel have been trained in North Korea, while over 7,000 North Korean military advisers have been dispatched globally. This includes aiding the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In conflicts such as the Angolan Civil War and the Libyan-Egyptian War, North Korean troops actively participated, while during the Vietnam War, North Korean pilots scored combat kills against U.S. aircraft. Even in recent decades, North Korea has maintained its global influence, training Hezbollah fighters in guerrilla tactics and assisting the Syrian regime during the Battle of Aleppo.

This history underscores North Korea’s willingness to provide military support, often in exchange for strategic benefits or economic gain. The reported deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine, potentially numbering 10,900 and could grow to 100,000, is one of its largest overseas military commitments yet.

The Troops: Who Are They and What Are Their Capabilities?

The North Korean forces reportedly sent to Ukraine belong to the XI Corps, a specialized unit with a storied and controversial history. This same unit conducted the infamous raid on South Korea’s Blue House in 1968, attempting to assassinate then-President Park Chung Hee. Known for their rigorous training and loyalty, these soldiers are among North Korea’s elite forces.

North Korean 11th Brigade. Source: Reuters

Their capabilities include guerrilla tactics, close-quarters combat, and engineering expertise. These skills may allow them to bolster Russian forces not only on the battlefield but also in logistical and infrastructural capacities, such as fortifying defensive positions. South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korean troops are also a financial asset to Pyongyang, with Russia reportedly paying $2,000 per soldier monthly—an influx of cash for the heavily sanctioned North Korean regime.

Another potential motive for North Korea is access to Russian military technology. This partnership could enable North Korea to modernize its arsenal while supporting its geopolitical ally.

Why Does Russia Need Them?

Russia’s decision to enlist North Korean troops is indicative of its mounting challenges in Ukraine. High casualty rates among Russian forces, coupled with slower-than-expected recruitment, have created a manpower shortage. By integrating North Korean troops, Russia seeks to fill this gap while also sending a provocative signal to the West.

This deployment is not just about manpower; it’s a strategic test. By involving North Korea, Russia gauges how far it can extend its influence and provoke Western powers without triggering a broader escalation. It leverages its nuclear capabilities to shield these maneuvers, daring the West to respond decisively.

Challenges for North Korean Troops

Despite their elite training, North Korean troops face significant challenges in Ukraine. Language barriers and differences in military strategy could hinder coordination with Russian forces. Additionally, many of these soldiers lack recent active combat experience, which may limit their effectiveness in Ukraine’s dynamic and high-tech battle environment.

However, North Korean forces’ expertise in engineering and construction may prove valuable in rebuilding infrastructure and establishing defensive positions. These contributions, while indirect, could still bolster Russia’s war effort.

Broader Implications: A Proxy War in Disguise

The involvement of North Korean troops is a microcosm of the larger dynamics shaping the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine rely on external support to sustain their efforts. Ukraine receives military aid from Western nations, while Russia navigates sanctions by trading oil and gas on the black market, often with opportunistic buyers like India benefiting from discounted prices.

This interplay reflects the broader geopolitical stakes of the war. Russia's reliance on pariah states like North Korea and Iran highlights its growing isolation, while Ukraine’s dependence on Western aid underscores the critical importance of international solidarity against authoritarian aggression.

A Strategic Response

Directly increasing Ukrainian military aid to counter Russia’s moves is an option, but it risks escalating the conflict further. A more effective strategy may involve targeting the external support networks that sustain Russia. By pressuring non-aligned nations benefiting from gray-market oil and gas trades, Western democracies could disrupt Russia’s economic lifelines.

This requires unity among Western nations, which can be challenging given the political polarization in many democracies. However, aligning sanctions and presenting a united front could isolate Russia further, leaving it with only heavily sanctioned allies like North Korea and Iran.

Looking Ahead

The next few months are critical. With the possibility of a shift in U.S. policy under a new administration, the West’s approach to supporting Ukraine could evolve. If Western democracies fail to maintain their commitment, the consequences could extend beyond Ukraine, signaling a weakening resolve to counter authoritarian regimes globally.

Historically, complacency in the face of aggression has led to greater conflicts. The U.S. hesitancy to intervene early in World War II serves as a cautionary tale. Allowing authoritarian regimes to undermine democracies unchecked only causes them to expand their influence.

A Personal Reflection

As someone who grew up in an authoritarian regime, the divisiveness within democracies today is deeply troubling. When democracies turn inward, distracted by internal political discrepancies, they inadvertently strengthen the hand of leaders like Vladimir Putin. Unity is not just a moral importance; it is a strategic necessity.

By focusing on shared values and working collaboratively, democracies can not only counter authoritarian aggression but also promote freedom and economic opportunity worldwide. The war in Ukraine is an important reminder that the defense of democracy requires vigilance and collective action.

In the words of Russian General Valery Gerasimov, "Wars are no longer declared and, having begun, proceed according to unfamiliar template... They very "rules of war" have changed. The role of nonmilitary means of achieving political and strategic goals has grown, and, in many cases, they have exceeded the power of force of weapons in their effectiveness".” In this hybrid warfare era, the fight is as much about disinformation, and populism as it is about military strength. Now is the time for democracies to stand together, not only for Ukraine but for the values we all hold dear.