South Korea warns North Korean troops will become ‘cannon fodder’ in Russia’s war against Ukraine

South Korea's UN ambassador, Joonkook Hwang, issued a stark warning that North Korean soldiers sent to fight in Ukraine as part of Russia's war effort will ultimately be seen as "cannon fodder." This statement was made during a UN Security Council briefing in New York regarding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

North Korean Involvement

Reports suggest that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Hwang's concerns mirror similar sentiments expressed by Ukrainian and US officials, highlighting the grim fate awaiting North Korean soldiers in the war zone.

Risk of Becoming Expendable

Hwang emphasized that these troops, despite being considered legitimate military targets, will essentially be viewed as disposable pawns in the larger conflict. He also pointed out that any wages promised to them by Russia would likely end up benefiting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rather than the soldiers themselves.

Challenges Faced by Russia

Russia has been grappling with manpower shortages in its military, resorting to tactics like offering hefty signing bonuses and even recruiting from its prison population. The reliance on allies like North Korea for military support signifies the strain Russia is under as it continues its campaign in Ukraine.

Economic Impact

As the war in Ukraine persists, Russia is confronted with various domestic challenges such as inflation, currency instability, and demographic issues. The wartime expenditure is playing a crucial role in propping up Russia's economy, with some experts suggesting that without the ongoing conflict, the country could face an immediate recession.

Despite these concerns, Russia shows no signs of backing down from its aggressive stance in Ukraine, seeking support from various sources to sustain its military operations.

—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: ktan@businessinsider.com (Kwan Wei Kevin Tan)
Title: South Korea warns North Korean troops will become ‘cannon fodder’ in Russia’s war against Ukraine
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-troops-become-cannon-fodder-ukraine-2024-10
Published Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:45:39 +0000