According to Russian state TV and the outlets that picked up the news in the past few days, reports say that North Korea, a close ally of the Kremlin, is prepared to send an army of 100,000 “volunteer soldiers” to help Russia fight its war in Ukraine.
Igor Korotchenko, the pundit who made the announcement, said as well that North Korean volunteers would also help rebuild cities destroyed by war. But, he was unable to cite his source for the information.
The news comes as Russian forces reportedly struggle to advance in Ukraine, causing low morale among its troops. Ukrainian forces, while outnumbered, seem to be giving the Kremlin a really difficult time.
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The news about Pyongyang providing military support, particularly the number of “volunteers” may have first come from an article on REGNUM, a Russian news agency that the European Union has accused of spreading “aggressive and biased propagandist narratives against Ukraine and to promote a positive attitude to the annexation of Crimea and the actions of separatists in Donbas.”
Newsweek, in its fact-checking of the claim, pointed out that the article references Sergey Mironov, a Russian politician from the state of Duma. Mironov reportedly talked about North Korea’s “offer” to help in a speech in Duma. The politician was quoted saying, “I believe that this, without exaggeration, is a historic moment! Both in the foundation of the liberated Donbas republics and in tightening our relationship with North Korea!”
The REGNUM article then claims that “North Korea signaled via the diplomatic channels its willingness to support the defense of the Luhansk (LPR) and Donetsk (DPR) republics,” which includes its “readiness to send up to 100,000 of its soldiers to the Donbas.”
“Pyongyang can send its tactical units to the Donbas,” they added. “In return, it will receive grain and energy exports from the Republics.”
But, much like Korotchenko, the publication offered no sources or the ways they gained access to information from these diplomatic channels.
Neither the Kremlin nor Pyongyang has, as of this writing, confirmed any of these claims.
Information for this briefing was found via Twitter, Newsweek, REGNUM, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
