Allegations of the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia have been further confirmed by a recent C.N.N. report. The current estimates amount to 10.000 North Korean units involved, potentially growing up to 30.000 in the following months.

Rumors surfaced in 2024, when the U.S. Department of Defense reported Pyongyang’s involvement in Russia’s combat operations. Following initial denials, both Moscow and Pyongyang publicly acknowledged in April that North Korea was involved in pushing the Ukrainians out of the Kursk region. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Human Rights Watch recently reported testimonies from North Korean soldiers, highlighting the harsh reality behind the emerging military alliance.

According to the Ukrainian assessment seen by C.N.N., the Russian Ministry of Defense may provide “needed equipment, weapons and ammunition” to reach “further integration to Russian combat units.” Additionally, the document suggests “there is a great possibility” the North Korean troops will be deployed in Ukraine’s areas occupied by Russia “to strengthen the Russian contingent.”

Commenting on the issue, Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, affirmed Ukraine’s readiness to respond, stating that “together with our partners, we are monitoring these threats and will respond accordingly.” In addition to security concerns raised by the growing partnership, Human Rights Watch recently reported testimonies from two North Korean soldiers captured near the Kursk region, who reportedly begged to remain in Ukraine. This plea could be severely punished in North Korea, as the soldiers may risk torture, wrongful imprisonment, forced labor, and possibly even execution.

Given these developments, the supporting action Pyongyang is pursuing in favor of Moscow should raise many concerns, especially regarding the broader implications of the deployment. The growing bond between the two authoritarian regimes not only threatens peace, but also fuels a more tense and polarized atmosphere in the global arena. The blooming partnership additionally demonstrates North Korea’s disregard for its own citizens’ rights and freedoms, underscoring its government’s tendency to exploit its soldiers to sustain militarization and totalitarian control. This logic of power underscores the profoundly unjust consequences of wars, mainly targeting the weakest and taking advantage of their condition.

Even if currently stronger than ever, the Moscow-Pyongyang relations have not always been peaceful. While Russia once supported U.N. sanctions against North Korea for its authoritarian rule, belligerent approach, and human rights violations, only with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine did the two powers mend relations. As both countries see N.A.T.O. and the United States as enemies, the coalition grew naturally.

Ever since the Russian attack on Ukraine, the relations between the two countries bloomed, leading to the signing of the “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” in June 2024 during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. The agreement binds both parties to provide immediate military assistance “with all means” if either party is attacked, representing a further step towards a solid partnership. The defense pact goes well beyond rhetoric, leading Russia to provide for technology related to its own nuclear and weapons program, along with oil supplies.

On the other side, according to I.S.P.I. (Istituto per gli studi di politica internazionale), since the signing of the pact, North Korea has supplied Russia with up to 5.8 million artillery rounds, representing up to 40% of the ammunition Russia is using in its war against Ukraine.

The impact of the emerging partnership is likely to be far-reaching. Particularly in the Ukraine conflict, North Korean troops may play a crucial role in the war’s development, representing a growing threat to Europe’s stability. Under these terms, N.A.T.O. and Western powers may set up their support to Ukraine, potentially escalating the conflict. Moreover, North Korea’s units, gaining precious exposure to advanced military strategies and technologies from Russia’s units, may represent a further challenge for peace in the Korean Peninsula.

In the end, the growing alignment between authoritarian regimes threatens to divide the world into antagonistic blocs, fostering strong tensions and leading to conflicts whose consequences are paid by defenseless people.