Russia's new "Buryat battalion" with North Korean troops, NATO's tactical nuclear exercises. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

NATO's training

NATO has kicked off its Steadfast Noon exercises. The focus is practicing the delivery and potential use of American tactical nuclear weapons stored in Europe. The drill involves 2,000 military personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 nations. These include bombers and fighter jets capable of carrying nukes, plus escort, refueling, and electronic warfare aircraft. They practice mounting munitions on these aircraft, though they use training bombs and dummies for safety. This exercise will run for two weeks.

What’s noteworthy here is that these exercises have been happening annually since the Cold War, but in recent years, they’ve become more public and well-documented. Over the past two years, NATO has upgraded its nuclear storage sites and enhanced the weapons themselves.

This is a critical message to Russia. For two years, Moscow has been rattling the nuclear saber, trying to scare Europe into submission. The assumption in Russia seems to be that using tactical nukes would make NATO freeze in fear. In reality, that’s not how it would go down.

Let’s also remember the conversation between U.S. Defense Secretary Austin and Russian Defense Minister Shoigu back in 2022. At the time, U.S. intelligence believed Russia might use tactical nukes. Austin told Shoigu in no uncertain terms: if Russia dares, the U.S. will respond, and every Russian military unit in Ukraine will be wiped out. Shoigu said Russia shouldn’t be threatened. Austin said that he represents the most powerful military on the planet.

To back up these words, NATO is conducting drills right now, refining its procedures for using tactical nukes, while also testing new components. For the first time, F-35 jets from one NATO country are being used as nuclear-capable aircraft, and Finland, a new NATO member, is also joining in. This is a clear signal to Russia: if you want to play the nuclear game, know that NATO’s capabilities are far more advanced and technologically superior.

Training of North Korean troops in Russia

Russia isn't just banking on its tactical nukes, which have always been used to threaten Europe. Now, they’ve added North Korean troops to the mix. Last week, several reports surfaced in the foreign press, citing Ukraine's military intelligence, indicating that a certain number of North Korean soldiers are being trained within Russian territory.

Today, October 15, new information from the HUR reveals that a fresh "Buryat battalion" is being formed within Russia’s 11th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, which is active in the Kursk region. We’re talking about 3,000 North Korean soldiers, enough to make up an entire brigade. Ukrainian intelligence suggests they’ll likely be deployed in the Kursk region. While this is preliminary information, what's clear is that alarming developments are underway, especially with the presence of North Korean forces.

Additionally, it's been reported that 18 of these North Korean soldiers have already deserted this so-called "Buryat battalion" — likely after experiencing the harsh realities of training in the Russian military. But it's critical we stay on top of this situation.

It’s evident that, in addition to receiving North Korean missiles and artillery shells, Russia is now importing something just as significant: manpower. Many thought Russia had plenty of its own "cannon fodder," but clearly, that’s not entirely true.

Ukrainian all-terrain vehicles for the Armed Forces

To counter Russia’s military power, Ukraine must rely on technology and innovative solutions. So, let’s discuss what its defense companies are offering the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Recently, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced the adoption of a new machine—a new platform—for the Armed Forces. This platform has been codified, allowing it to be officially procured.

Oleksandr Biletskyi, the CEO of SHERP (the company behind the vehicle), highlighted that this machine’s key feature is that it’s an amphibious all-terrain vehicle. It’s a Ukrainian product, designed and built in Ukraine, although it uses a non-Ukrainian engine and gearbox. The diesel version runs on a Doosan engine, and there’s also an electric version powered by electric motors. The TAXA platform, which is made in a special studio, is based on the SHERP all-terrain vehicle. This model, also known as the "Bohun," is used by emergency services. It can go almost anywhere and be used for a range of tasks and special operations. The base vehicle weighs 2.5 tons and can carry 1.2 tons of cargo. On a full tank, it has a range of 600 to 800 km — enough to drive from Kyiv to Moscow — with fuel consumption at about 5 liters per hour.

SHERP

As of 2022, this platform is already in service, and the experiences with it vary. For instance, during the evacuation of Chernihiv, when the city was surrounded and the bridges destroyed, the all-terrain vehicle crossed the Desna River at night, bringing people out and delivering food and supplies into the city. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have been operating a significant number of these vehicles since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Biletskyi also noted that the platform can be adapted to integrate various systems. The next photo shows an amphibious assault version of the platform, which is versatile enough to transport personnel, handle logistics, and deliver essential supplies. The platform can be modified for specific missions or different military branches.

SHERP

There are also robotic versions with high load capacities. One platform, shown in the photo below, can carry up to 2 tons of cargo and cross water obstacles. In short, it’s another highly flexible tool.

SHERP

Biletsky added that the platform can be fitted with different control systems. There are versions with an integrated American military control system, capable of traveling up to 3.5 km over rugged terrain.

He firmly believes that few manufacturers offer anything like this. SHERP, in his words, is the top producer of mass-market all-terrain vehicles. And because this vehicle is export-ready, it’s already being sold in over 100 countries.