In a recent interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Gerald Connolly, a Democratic U.S. Congressman and the acting head of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, raised concerns about the implications of North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine. He remarked that this development highlights “some weakness in the Russian military,” suggesting that “Russia might be running low on troop strength.”
When asked about the need for North Korean troops in European operations, Connolly questioned, “Do you genuinely need North Korean forces deployed in Europe? Why would Russia require them? Perhaps, to be honest, it’s because Russia’s troop numbers may indeed be dwindling.”
Connolly further elaborated on the staggering estimates of Russian military casualties, stating that approximately 600,000 Russian soldiers have been reported dead, wounded, or missing. He noted that these figures are reminiscent of those seen during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II.
South Korean intelligence indicated that North Korea has dispatched around 1,500 special forces to Russia’s Far East for training and acclimatization, with potential deployment to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Ukrainian officials released footage appearing to show dozens of North Korean recruits receiving Russian military uniforms. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), stated that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently undergoing training in eastern Russia.
If North Korean soldiers indeed participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, it would signal a strengthened military relationship between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Last summer, Russia and North Korea formalized a strategic partnership agreement to provide mutual military assistance, while North Korean weaponry has already been utilized by Russian forces.
On the topic of Ukraine’s NATO membership, Connolly acknowledged Ukraine’s eagerness to join but advised that it should occur “once the Russia-Ukraine war is concluded.”
Regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plans to see Ukrainian forces replace U.S. troops at European outposts, Connolly found this notion “inappropriate,” likening it to giving “Trump a political pass in case he wins the election.” He pointed out that Trump has historically believed NATO is outdated and that European nations should bear the financial burden of their own security.
