Former North Korean soldiers revealed that troops are deterred from surrendering in the Ukraine conflict due to fear of family executions. With over 12,000 soldiers deployed by North Korea in support of Russia, their lack of modern warfare training has resulted in significant casualties. Recent captures of North Korean troops by Ukrainian forces mark a historic moment in this conflict, prompting discussions about the broader implications of North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia.
A former North Korean sergeant disclosed that very few soldiers from Pyongyang have been captured amid the conflict in Ukraine, primarily due to the belief that their families will face execution if they are taken alive. The defector, Ryu Seong-hyeon, emphasized that many North Korean troops consider suicide preferable to capture, as it represents a grave dishonor. Ryu, who escaped to South Korea in 2019, shared his insights with ABC News regarding the military morale and tactics of North Korean soldiers deployed in the war.
United States estimates indicate that North Korea has sent over 12,000 soldiers to Russia to assist in the Ukraine conflict, where reports suggest that North Korean weapons have also been utilized by Russian forces. As per South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, approximately 300 North Korean troops have lost their lives, with over 2,700 sustaining injuries. Following a period of decreased fighting, additional troops are believed to have been dispatched to the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers, marking a significant first in this conflict. In a video released by Ukrainian authorities, one captive expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine rather than return to Pyongyang. According to South Korean intelligence, these soldiers were affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a crucial North Korean military intelligence agency.
Defectors indicated that North Korean soldiers are taught that their families will face dire consequences if they divulge information to enemy forces. “If the soldiers are captured and tell information to the enemy, their families will be punished, go to a political prison camp, or worse, they will be executed in front of the people,” cautioned another defector, Pak Yusung. The consequent psychological impact compels many soldiers to avoid capture altogether.
As the conflict unfolds, North Korean soldiers have demonstrated a significant lack of preparedness for modern warfare, resulting in many being targeted by Ukrainian drones. Ryu remarked that North Korean soldiers lack essential training and might have never encountered a drone before their deployment. He also stated, “Before they go, they don’t have any practice in how to defend against a drone or how to fight Ukrainians, that’s why they just die like a dog.”
Pak and Ryu believe that North Korean soldiers are deceived regarding the war’s reality, with the regime preying on their indoctrination against perceived enemies. This manipulation perpetuates the falsehood that they are engaging in combat against ‘American wolves.’ They indicated that a significant percentage of pilots in the North Korean air force receive only theoretical training without practical experience, further endangering military personnel.
Pak highlighted that North Korea’s alliance with Russia could equip its military with advanced technology and combat experience, posing a significant threat regionally. He expressed concern that if Russia were to prevail in Ukraine, it could strengthen the authoritarian alliance led by Kim Jong Un. Furthermore, he noted that as awareness of the reality of the war increases among North Koreans, it may lead to internal dissent.
When reflecting on the heavy losses experienced by North Korean troops, both defectors emphasized the deep emotional toll on families affected by the conflict. They voiced that citizens may begin questioning the loyalty of their government should they learn the truth. In light of these circumstances, Pak’s group, the Voices of North Korean Youth, is advocating for international condemnation of both Russia and North Korea, calling for accountability for Kim Jong Un through the International Criminal Court.
The testimonies of former North Korean soldiers reveal the grim reality faced by troops engaged in the Ukraine conflict, driven by coercive tactics and severe repercussions for capture. The lack of preparation and high casualty rates among these soldiers pose formidable challenges to their survival. As the situation evolves, the international community is urged to respond decisively against North Korea’s involvement and the implications of its alliance with Russia. These testimonies highlight the broader emotional and political ramifications of the war, raising awareness of the human cost associated with geopolitical conflicts.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
