By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent footage from North Korean state-run media shows Kim Jong Un mourning North Korean soldiers who died fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, repatriating their remains with a solemn ceremony. The broadcast featured Kim placing the North Korean flag over a coffin, marking the first time images of North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been released. Simultaneously, an event commemorated the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, with Kim Jong Un and Russian officials, including Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, in attendance. Further, North Korean authorities disclosed Kim’s approval of operational plans for troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and ordered attacks during a specific timeframe.
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Pyongyang shows footage of North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine for the first time. Right away, this is a striking development. The fact that North Korea is publicly acknowledging the deaths of its soldiers in Ukraine is a departure from what we’ve come to expect. It suggests a shift in their strategy, or at least a calculated move in the information war. We know that the narrative has been carefully crafted, often with a veil of secrecy surrounding the extent of their involvement. Statements like “North Korea did not send troops” have been common, and the assertion that soldiers were “only training, not on the front” has been another line. So, showing this footage is a clear signal, but what is Pyongyang’s intent?
This brings up the question: what is the purpose of this revelation? Could it be an attempt to portray the North Korean soldiers as heroes, martyrs in a fight against a perceived enemy? Perhaps they are trying to galvanize support for the war effort, both domestically and potentially amongst their allies. The language used in such a display would be critical, potentially framing Ukraine as an extension of a U.S. agenda, painting the soldiers as fighting against a common foe. The focus on honoring these soldiers feels like it might be a way to motivate more young men to enlist, another “meat wave” as one person pointed out. If they are framing these deaths as a sacrifice for the greater good, it is a powerful tool of propaganda.
What about the facts, however? This footage being shown presents an important distinction. The edited remarks highlight a crucial point that the soldiers may not be fighting *in* Ukraine, but rather *against* Ukraine within Russia’s borders. This is a significant difference. The implication is that their involvement is in support of Russia’s military efforts but not necessarily on Ukrainian soil. This distinction is important to grasp because it defines the degree of involvement and the potential for escalation. If North Korean soldiers are operating within Russia, the political consequences are quite different than if they were in Ukrainian territory. Any movement into Ukrainian territory is likely to have dire consequences.
It’s also worth remembering the context of the ongoing conflict and the potential motivations of all parties involved. The suggestion that China might send troops into Ukraine is often raised, but seems unlikely. China has a vested interest in maintaining a delicate balance, avoiding direct confrontation and the fallout. This strategy is unlikely to change. Also important to the situation is the fact that the Korean War still simmers, even now, in the background. The United Nations is still technically at war with North Korea. The involvement of North Korean soldiers, however, has a different kind of impact. It serves a purpose beyond simply boosting Russia’s military might. It could be a way to test the waters, and see how the West reacts.
Let’s be clear, the claim of North Korean soldiers fighting and dying in Ukraine has circulated for a while. It is interesting to consider the timing and nature of these revelations. The introduction of fiber optic FPV drones, which Ukraine is also using, has added a new layer of complexity to the battlefield. It shows that Ukraine is now trying to keep up with technological advancements that are being made by its foes. One can’t overlook the possibility of a domestic arms industry developing within Ukraine as a result of this war, capable of producing equipment and expertise, which is a notable consequence.
In the past, similar claims about the involvement of “Chinese troops” have been met with skepticism and ultimately debunked. This doesn’t mean that the situation is without potential for escalation. The UN’s stance, the existing conflicts, and the involved countries can make the situation unpredictable.
The release of this footage, however, does bring to the forefront the harsh realities of this conflict. It is also another reminder that the war in Ukraine is not simply a regional conflict but a reflection of a broader geopolitical struggle.