North Korea's support for Russia to change after U.S. allows long-range strikes - Defense Express

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

“If we’re talking about using ATACMS missiles, there are hundreds of targets that need to be hit within a range of up to 300 kilometers. Taking out these targets could have a significant impact on the battlefield. But this will only be effective if there are hundreds of such missiles available, not just dozens. The key factor here is the quantity of the weapons. For instance, if we look at the Kursk region, using these missiles could be effective in supporting Ukrainian Defense Forces operations in that specific area, especially given that the enemy is focusing on pushing Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory, particularly in Kursk. This is especially relevant considering the involvement of North Korean army units in their efforts,” he said.

Valerii Riabykh suggested that if ATACMS missiles are used effectively, particularly against North Korean units in the Kursk region, it could influence Kim Jong Un's decision to send more troops to support Russia.

"This could be very significant, especially given Kim Jong Un's recent statements about preparing for war and his plans to send up to 100,000 more North Korean troops to Russia. The goal, supposedly, is for these troops to gain combat experience. However, if a large portion of these troops, especially the first group of up to 12,000, are eliminated by ATACMS missiles, it could impact Kim Jong Un’s decision to send more forces. After all, he needs troops who will return with experience, not in body bags," the expert said.

• According to the G20 countries, North Korea may send up to 100,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine if cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow deepens.
• President Biden authorized Ukraine to use the U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian and North Korean forces in Russia's Kursk region, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy.
• Polish President Andrzej Duda described the United States' decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory as a potential "turning point in the war."