Russian POWs captured in Ukraine criticized North Korean troops for their lack of discipline and reckless behavior during combat. They described incidents of North Koreans firing on both Russians and each other, and noted that the North Koreans were better equipped and better fed than their Russian counterparts. This commentary suggests deeper implications for North Korean support in the ongoing conflict.
Recent video footage has surfaced featuring Russian prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukrainian forces. In these videos, the POWs expressed their grievances regarding the conduct of North Korean troops, whom they characterized as “reckless.” One soldier recounted an incident where North Korean forces opened fire on friendly Russian units, leading to confusion on the battlefield. Furthermore, they noted that the North Koreans fired indiscriminately at drones, irrespective of their origins, whether Russian or Ukrainian.
Interestingly, the soldiers remarked on the superior condition and equipment of the North Korean troops. They stated that the North Koreans appeared to have access to better sustenance and more advanced weaponry than their Russian counterparts, with one soldier mentioning, “If they eat raw smoked sausage, the most delicious thing we ate in the dining room was buckwheat porridge.” This information, if verified, underscores the ongoing assistance that North Korea is purportedly providing to Russia amid its conflict in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has prompted various nations to take sides and offer assistance. Notably, North Korea has been mentioned as a potential ally to Russia, particularly in terms of military support. The involvement of North Korean troops raises questions regarding their effectiveness and coordination with Russian forces, as highlighted by the recent accounts of Russian POWs who have observed discrepancies in discipline and tactics during combat.
The testimonies of the captured Russian soldiers shed light on the controversial role of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict. Their characterization of the North Koreans as “reckless” due to indiscriminate fire and poor command raises concerns about the operational integration of these forces with Russian military objectives. Furthermore, the apparent disparity in equipment and provisions brings into focus the nature of support that North Korea may be providing amidst the ongoing war.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
