On June 18, 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a treaty establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. This significant enhancement of relations between those countries has drawn global attention and concern. In practice, this alliance is built on supporting each other, both economically and militarily.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed on October 28, 2024, that North Korean troops had been deployed to the Kursk region of Russia, “Today, I can confirm that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia and that North Korean military units have been deployed to the Kursk region.”
The deployment of North Korean military forces in the Ukraine war marks a dramatic shift in the geopolitical landscape. By increasing the pressure on Ukraine’s defence and potentially leading to the seizure of more territory by Russia, North Korean troops could increase the operational capabilities of Russian troops. In addition, Russia is using North Korean soldiers to avoid further domestic mobilisation and to strengthen support for the Kremlin among Russian citizens.
Such actions represent that Russia is ready to escalate the war by involving external actors, triggering Ukraine’s strategic partners to respond. Ukraine is now facing a larger and more diverse opponent that will force it to increase its military resources. The deployment of North Korean forces raises the prospect of a broader world war, making the path to a peace accord much more difficult.
Although the responses of nations around the globe were quick and severe, ultimately practical actions would be required. Emphasising the possible consequences for European and international peace and security, the EU High Representative condemned the deployment of North Korean soldiers on October 30, 2024. Describing such behaviour a “clear violation of the UN Charter and several UN Security Council resolutions,” the European Union urged North Korea to cease aiding Russia. Additionally, the EU pointed out that further help would compel foreign partners to consider a harsher reaction.
In his speech, Mark Rutte discussed security issues for Europe, the Indo-Pacific area, and the Korean Peninsula. He underlined that the ongoing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and extends the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition, the United States expressed significant concern. On October 30, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that North Korea’s deployment would escalate the conflict and could lead to a wider war with other countries. The danger is that the North Korean military could engage in hostilities with Ukrainian troops armed with Western weapons, which could result in an indirect military conflict between the United States and North Korea.
From a humanitarian perspective, the participation of North Korean troops raises additional questions about possible human rights violations. Gross human rights violations both within North Korea’s own ranks and against its citizens raise concerns about possible violations against Ukrainian soldiers and civilians through war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Such action violates international law, increases tensions in Europe and East Asia, and escalates war in Ukraine.
To create a shared plan to stop further escalation, international organisations like the UN should call emergency meetings right now. Targeted penalties on important economic sectors could compel North Korea to remove its forces. In order to respect international law, Western countries would have to reinforce it by strengthening and implementing already adopted UN resolutions forbidding military collaboration with North Korea.
Western nations should combine strategic support with diplomatic pressure and increased aid for Ukraine. While diplomatic measures should aim at isolating Moscow and Pyongyang on the global scene, economic sanctions against both countries should be reinforced. Increased help to Ukraine is very vital to stop further escalation. Without directly participating with their troops, Western countries could provide cybersecurity help, intelligence sharing, and defensive military aid to bolster Ukraine’s defense. In addition, the deployment of a limited number of Western military forces in relatively safe parts in western Ukraine could allow the Ukrainian military to defend more contested regions and demonstrate support for Ukraine’s sovereignty without direct combat involvement.
Beijing should be engaged as a mediator, for China has influence over North Korea. Diplomatic initiatives should give China the opportunity to address the problem by leveraging its relations with Pyongyang. Furthermore,it is crucial to involve North Korea diplomatically and offer economically viable incentives if it is compliant with international norms; and if it does not, then reinforce the sanctions. In such way, North Korea won’t seek out military allies, because of its political isolation.
In conclusion, North Korea’s force deployment to assist Russia in Ukraine might have major repercussions for international security. Such action violates international law, increases tensions in Europe and East Asia, and escalates war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the exchange of highly advanced military technology from Russia to North Korea might threaten the security of the whole area, including South Korea.
The world has to act. De-escalation of the war might come via diplomacy, economic sanctions, and strategic backing for Ukraine. Including regional leaders like China in negotiations might help to lessen the tensions of the situation and lead to a fair and long-standing resolution.
Featured image provided by Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP.
