Worst-case scenario of North Korea supporting Russia in Ukraine war: expert explains

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV. 

"The situation depends on what North Korea will provide. There are different options and versions. In June of this year, Putin asked Kim Jong-un for 3-4 brigades of engineers. This is logical, because Russia lacks engineer troops. They have serious problems with the lack of special equipment and engineering units. However, these engineering brigades have not been provided," Kovalenko recalled.

According to the military and political observer, North Korea has large mechanized artillery corps.

"What kind of request will Russia make to the DPRK? If it is artillery, this is the worst option for us. If these are infantry corps, how will they be used? It could be to cover the border, protect the rear areas of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, or assault units that will rush into battle, just like the Russians do with their military. So, everything depends on these options," Kovalenko emphasized.

• The White House said it was concerned about reports of North Korean infantrymen participating in Russia's war against Ukraine.

• The ISW report says that Russia is likely to use the "mutual defense" agreement to legally justify the deployment of DPRK troops in the Russian war zone in response to the Ukrainian Defense Forces' offensive in the Kursk region.