New Delhi: The Ukraine-Russia conflict intensifies as North Korea is accused of sending thousands of soldiers to help Russia near Ukraine’s border. The United States alleges that there are 8,000 to 10,000 North Korean soldiers in the Russian Federation today; Ukraine’s intelligence agencies say 11,000 North Korean soldiers are serving with Russia. The Russian government has refuted such reports with regards to the current war as it deemed completely sufficient.
The presence of North Korean forces if true is alarming and active in the conflict, Ukraine is preparing for a battle with North Korea’s special forces units.
The Comparison of the Military Power of North Korea and Ukraine
However, due to a very severe economic crises current in the country, North Korea’s Korean Peoples Army is acknowledged as the 4th largest global force with an active force of 1.3 million and a reserve of 7.6 million. This formidable reserve is almost as great as the population of North Korea or a third of the size. Compulsory military training in the current administration of Kim Jong Un has requirements wherein the men have to serve for 8-10 years while women for 5 years. Major equipment in the North Korean inventory consists of 4300 tanks, 8800 artillery systems, 810 combat aircraft, and 70 submarines.
The laid-down principle is the ‘Military First’ policy and more than a quarter of GDP is devoted to military and associated services, moreover, the army has monopolised the fishing, mining industries, foreign trade through state operated companies. Modernization of the North Korean military has brought formation of nuclear missiles, an estimated 5, 000 tones chemical weapons and cyber unit including 6,800 hackers for cyber warfare.
More Advanced Troops to Back Russia
According to South Koreans intelligence, all the North Korean troops in Russia contribute to the special operations forces of the KPA the special operation force of KPA is one of the five branches of the Korea’s army. Well known for ferocity of the fight and are trained in specialised battalions as Lightning, Storm, Thunderbolt battalions and have the specialised operations in sniper and assaults.
At the same time, Ukraine is ready to fight back with an actively mobilised force of 200-300 thousand and an additional reserve of 900 thousand people. The arms inventory includes two thousand, five hundred and ninety-six battle tanks, over twelve thousand, three hundred and sixty armoured vehicles, and two thousand and forty artillery systems. A Ukrainian Air Force comprises 7,72 aircraft and 9,8 fighters, besides 34 armed helicopters. Ukrainian navy consists only 38 Warships and not a single submarine. Ukraine’s defence budget is worth $5.4 billion however the capacity of this military is increasing with sympathy of its western partners.
As the crisis between Russia and Ukraine escalates western Aid enables Ukraine to strengthen Its defences
Besides its own armed forces, Ukraine has received considerable military equipment from NATO member nations. From the time the war began, the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Turkey and other nations have provided Ukraine with sophisticated equipment, ammunition, and logistical support for its defence. The Americans supplied Kiev with missiles as well as bullets through air and sea transports to boot trained Ukrainians in guerrilla warfare. Britain provided several types of the anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles to Ukraine’s forces along with Turkey as the latter provided 100 combat drones increase Ukraine’s tactical advantage.
One of Ukraine’s biggest follies is a group of highly sophisticated Dragon UAVs which can use thermite – a material that can melt through virtually anything and rains down death. Aerial vehicles have now become an essential component of the daily operations of militaries all around the world; Ukraine has shown that drones are very useful in delivering efficient attacks on Russian forces.
NATO Supports Ukraine as War escalates
That is why it can be claimed that the continuous support of NATO is a strong reason for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia. It is to be noted that before the start of the conflict the countries like the US, UK among other allies were already providing Ukraine with defending mechanisms. This aid flow is ongoing as the conflict persists; Ukraine is sustained, and the odds increase for everyone in the conflict zone.
This inversion of situation with North Korean troops possibly fighting in Russian ranks adds a new turn to the entire conflict. Unfortunately, as Ukraine carries on fighting with backing from western nations, aggression and diplomatic engagement with Kim Jong Uns forces is viewed as escalating, making this particular standoff one that the entire world is observing patiently.