Putin Faces New Setback as Military Partnership Shows Fatal Flaws
In a startling development that highlights the growing complications in Russia’s military alliances, North Korean troops have reportedly opened fire on their Russian counterparts, resulting in multiple casualties and adding to President Vladimir Putin’s mounting military challenges.
Deadly confusion on the front lines
The incident came to light through testimony from a captured Russian soldier who deserted his unit following the friendly fire incident. In a video released by Ukrainian military intelligence, the visibly distressed serviceman recounted the tragic events: “They brought in 10 Koreans and sent us to the forest to dig trenches.”
The soldier detailed a concerning pattern of preferential treatment, noting: “They give all the warm clothing and food to Koreans. During the assault, the Koreans started firing at us.” The confusion turned deadly when, as he explained, “We tried to explain where to aim, but I think they shot two of our own. I decided it was better to surrender in this situation than to be killed by our own bullet.”
North Korean military presence in Russia
The incident occurs against the backdrop of significant North Korean military support for Russia’s campaign. Intelligence reports indicate that Pyongyang has deployed approximately 12,000 soldiers to bolster Russian forces, with around 3,000 troops already positioned on the Kursk front, where Russia is attempting to reclaim territory lost in August.
Ukraine’s strategic response
Taking advantage of this apparent discord, Ukraine has launched a targeted campaign to encourage North Korean fighters to defect. The “I Want to Live” program, initiated last week, includes Korean-language outreach via YouTube and Telegram, offering basic necessities such as food, accommodation, and healthcare to those willing to surrender.
Andriy Kovalenko, who heads Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, has indicated that “additional videos with the participation of North Koreans will be published in the future.”
The Putin-Kim deal
South Korean intelligence has revealed the specifics of the agreement between Putin and Kim Jong-un. The arrangement reportedly includes:
- Annual provision of 600-700 tonnes of rice to North Korea
- Payment of US $2,000 per deployed soldier
- Potential annual earnings for Pyongyang exceeding US $200 million
- Transfer of advanced space technology
Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia, suggests that these generous payments from the Kremlin are providing significant relief to North Korea’s economic and food security challenges.
Wider implications
This friendly fire incident not only represents a tactical setback for Russian forces but also raises questions about the viability of Russia’s military partnerships and the effectiveness of hastily integrated foreign troops into its military operations.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.