### South Korean Diplomat Warns North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine Will Be "Cannon Fodder"

North Korean soldiers deployed to fight in Ukraine will face dire consequences, warned Joonkook Hwang, South Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, on Wednesday. During a UN Security Council briefing in New York regarding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hwang highlighted North Korea's alleged involvement in bolstering Russian forces.

According to officials from South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States, thousands of North Korean troops have reportedly been sent to assist Russia in its war efforts. Hwang criticized North Korea's actions, stating, "As legitimate military targets, they will end up as mere cannon fodder, while the wages they are supposed to receive from Russia will end up squarely in Kim Jong-un's pocket." He condemned Pyongyang's use of young soldiers as expendable assets, calling it an unforgivable act.

Russia's struggles with manpower have led it to adopt various strategies, such as offering significant financial incentives, including bonuses up to 1.9 million rubles (approximately $22,000), and recruiting from its prison population. Hwang's remarks about the fate of North Korean soldiers echo previous statements from Ukraine and the US. In April 2022, Ukraine's defense ministry noted Russia's difficulties in conscripting troops, as many were reluctant to "become cannon fodder for the occupier's army." Similarly, in June, the Pentagon warned that North Korean soldiers would meet the same grim fate if deployed to support the Russian military.

Facing a shortage of weaponry, Russia has increasingly relied on its alliances, notably seeking aid from North Korea and Iran. The collaboration between Russia and North Korea was solidified in June, when Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a wartime agreement to supply Russia with war materials and ammunition.

Hwang emphasized North Korea's role in the conflict, stating, "With boots on the ground alongside the supply of munitions, the DPRK has become the most visible, ardent, and committed supporter of Russia's aggression in Europe."

Two and a half years into the conflict, Russia is confronted with numerous domestic challenges, including inflation, currency instability, and a demographic crisis. Wartime spending has temporarily buoyed Russia's economy, preventing an immediate recession, according to some economists.

Despite several attempts, no representatives from South Korea's mission to the UN provided comments on the situation.