UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Photo: Eric Bridiers.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a statement regarding reports of North Korean troops being deployed in Russia, allegedly to the frontline in Ukraine. This was reported by EFE on 3 November. Guterres expressed “deep concern” over such possible interference, stressing that it threatens “an extremely dangerous escalation of the conflict in Ukraine”.

He called on the international community to do everything possible to prevent the internationalisation of the war, which could have unpredictable consequences for global security.

Moscow and Pyongyang’s cooperation: from arms supply to “transfer of people”

Interaction between Russia and North Korea has significantly intensified, which, according to Ukrainian intelligence, includes not only the transfer of weapons but also the direct deployment of North Korean soldiers at the front. In late October, Russia deployed more than 7,000 DPRK troops closer to the Ukrainian border. According to information provided by Ukrainian intelligence, these soldiers were moved from training bases in eastern Russia using at least 28 military aircraft. The North Korean military was provided with modern Russian weapons: mortars, AK-12 assault rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles and anti-tank systems. They also received thermal imagers, optical sights and binoculars.

Possible consequences for global security

Analysts note that the participation of North Korean troops in the war could be a significant escalation factor. The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns about military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The deployment of DPRK soldiers on the frontline in Ukraine could threaten stability not only in the region but also globally, setting a precedent for the internationalisation of the conflict.

The UN continues to closely monitor the situation and calls on all parties to make efforts to de-escalate and prevent other states from becoming involved in the conflict.