Oleksandr Musienko: Ukrainian Forces Could Have Captured DPRK Soldiers
6- 8.10.2024, 14:28
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What were North Korean officers doing near Donetsk?
The Armed Forces of Ukraine probably eliminated more than 20 Russian military near Donetsk, as well as six North Korean officers. According to media reports, they were hit by a missile strike from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
What were the officers of the DPRK army doing in Ukraine? Charter97.org asked political expert Oleksandr Musienko, the head of the Ukrainian Center for Military and Legal Studies, to comment on this:
— The fact that they were present there can be argued, citing various sources, including Ukrainian intelligence. I will add that the information is being verified, but perhaps the prisoners were also taken. This, by the way, explains the reaction of Kim Jong-un, who expressed "threats to NATO and the United States" about "being drawn into the war."
What can they do there? According to preliminary information, the North Koreans are undergoing training, Russians were sharing experience with them. The North Koreans are present when their shells are delivered to the front. I note that about 1.5 million of their munitions could have been supplied.
The North Koreans are adopting the experience of using artillery by Russia in the war with Ukraine.
— South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun said that the DPRK can send its military to fight on the side of Russia. How realistic is this scenario?
— The fact that the North Koreans are taking an active part in the fighting has not yet been confirmed. But the very fact that they could appear in the occupied territory and in the area of warfare, already says that there is an active experience sharing.
It cannot be ruled out that these groups are present there to study the situation on the ground before the possible dispatch of a larger contingent. It is the largest units closer to the front.
— Ukrainian intelligence is actively hunting Russians in Syria and African countries. Could South Korea somehow use such a scenario, responding to the DPRK in Ukraine?
— The most important tool is additional military assistance to Ukraine. The DPRK demonstrates that it has shells, it has production, it is able to support Russia. Also, Russia helps North Korea, which is obvious under certain shows.
I repeat, they interact, exchange experience with the Russians. All this may at some point be turned against South Korea.
Accordingly, South Korea can provide military assistance to Ukraine, given that it produces quite a lot of the same 155-mm shells. That would be the best answer.
After all, this would show that South Korea is able to interrupt the supply of the DPRK's capabilities and is in unity with the West. By helping both Ukraine and the West, South Korea can count on support in return.
It is also a demonstration that South Korea will logically act with those who may suffer and are already suffering from the actions of the DPRK.