South Korea wants North Korean soldiers not to return from Ukraine - Defense Express

Нe spoke about this on Espreso TV.

"Right now, a new foundation for cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea is being established. For South Korea, it’s important that some personnel who might have defected cannot be involved at this stage because they would be participating in Russian aggression against Ukraine. South Korea is also interested in making sure that those who gain combat experience don’t return. These two factors align, creating new opportunities for South Korea to support Ukraine more actively," he said.

"A new basis for cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea is being formed. It's important for South Korea that some personnel who could threaten them cannot do so right now, as they would be fighting in the war against Ukraine. South Korea also wants to make sure that those who gain combat experience don’t return. These two factors align, opening up new opportunities for South Korea to support Ukraine more actively," he said.

This is particularly relevant to long-range weapons.

"South Korea could transfer long-range weapons produced, which come in a wide variety and large quantities. This includes two types of ballistic missiles with different ranges, from 120 kilometers to up to 1,000 kilometers, all using similar warheads weighing between 150 kilograms and one ton. Additionally, South Korea has effective cruise missiles, especially the KTSSM-II, which is similar to the ATACMS. Similar missiles are also being considered for sale to Poland, which is buying a large number of Korean K239 Chunmoo systems. These systems are like HIMARS, from which these missiles are launched. There are two versions: one can reach up to 180 kilometers with a 500-kilogram warhead designed for anti-bunker use, and the other can fly up to 300 kilometers," the military expert noted.

Russia-North Korea military cooperation

• On October 4, the Kyiv Post reported that 20 soldiers were killed in a missile strike on occupied Donetsk, including six North Korean military personnel advising the Russian army.

• South Korean Defense Minister warned on October 8 that North Korea may deploy troops to Ukraine in support of Russia.

• At an October 17 press conference in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Russia's plan to train 10,000 North Korean soldiers for combat in Ukraine.

• Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, later reported that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia, preparing for deployment to Ukraine. He added that the first unit of 2,600 soldiers is en route to Kursk, where Ukraine has established a stronghold.

• Ukraine has since shared intelligence with NATO about North Korea’s military involvement and requested data from alliance members.

• On October 19, reports surfaced that North Korea had sent 1,500 special forces to Russia.

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also noted that North Korean KN-23/24 missiles, used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine, contained Western components.

• Finally, on October 21, it was reported that 18 North Korean soldiers had been detained by Russian forces after attempting to desert their positions in the Kursk region. These troops are expected to participate in future assaults against Ukrainian forces.