**North Korean Soldiers Fighting Alongside Russians in Ukraine: Tactical Implications and Challenges**

The involvement of North Korean soldiers in combat alongside Russian forces in Ukraine has given rise to numerous tactical and military questions. Historically, North Korea has refrained from deploying troops abroad, fearing they might defect or return with undesirable impressions. Fyodor Tertitskiy from Seoul's Kookmin University noted that the North Korean regime is particularly concerned about soldiers adopting 'incorrect' ideas from foreign armies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had earlier indicated, based on intelligence sources, that North Korean troops were deployed in the Russian region of Kursk, which faced an attack from Ukrainian forces in August. These troops, according to Blinken, are clad in Russian uniforms and trained in artillery, drones, and infantry tactics, preparing them for front-line duties.

The exact number of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine remains uncertain. Western sources estimate around 10,000, while Kyiv specifies approximately 11,000. This figure parallels current Russian casualties over roughly ten days of conflict. According to Mick Ryan, a retired Australian general, even larger numbers might be needed to address Russia's manpower issues effectively.

South Korean analysts tend to believe these North Korean troops are more likely special forces rather than mere cannon fodder. President of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, Yang Moo-jin, emphasized that North Korea aims to showcase the competency of its soldiers in combat scenarios. Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University highlighted the North Korean soldiers' resilience to harsh conditions, often characterized by limited supplies and mental fortitude.

However, several organizational questions linger. How will language barriers, requiring translators, impact joint operations between Russian and North Korean soldiers? Moreover, with reports suggesting the presence of 500 North Korean officers and three generals, the dynamics of command and integration within Russian units remain unclear.

Additionally, North Korea's complex chain of command, which necessitates political approval for military decisions, was primarily designed to thwart internal coups. Whether this structure will adapt effectively in the Ukrainian context, without alterations approved by Kim Jong Un, remains an open question.

Given that North Korean soldiers have not participated in combat since 1953, they could face significant challenges against battle-hardened Ukrainian troops. Kim Jong Un’s army relies heavily on mass mobilization techniques. According to Ivan Klyszcz from the International Center for Defence and Security in Estonia, about a third of North Korea’s population is involved in the military, either directly or through reserve and paramilitary roles. Yet, recent developments in modern military technology and strategy could play a critical role in the success or failure of these forces in Ukraine.

Western analysts are keen to observe how the exchange of modern combat lessons, especially regarding drone integration, missile use, and electronic warfare, between Russian and North Korean forces could unfold. Conversely, South Korea, facing reduced refugee flows from the North, might view this deployment as a rare opportunity to gain intelligence on North Korea.