Yesterday, NATO confirmed through Secretary General Mark Rutte that North Korean troops would be deployed to Kursk, Russia. The executive called the deployment a “significant escalation” in Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict and called on both North Korea and Moscow to immediately withdraw their troops. On the chessboard of the conflict, Ukraine appears to be moving “between the lines” as Russia decides to withdraw part of its nuclear arsenal.

Demonstration of power. President Vladimir Putin held a nuclear exercise in Russia amid conflicts in Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, ballistic missiles were launched from the Kamchatka Peninsula and ships in the Arctic, as well as cruise missiles from long-range aircraft, but no details were given about the results. Of course, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the missiles reached their targets no matter what.

This show of force took place at an extremely sensitive moment in the race; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been seeking more support from allies as he virtually begs to be allowed to use long-range missiles to attack strategic points in Russia. So far it has not been addressed, at least not officially.

Nuclear “tests.” Fact is that Russia has conducted numerous ballistic missile tests in recent years, especially in the context of its military expansion and the war in Ukraine. Such tests include the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles such as the Sarmat missile, which has been touted as a “superweapon” capable of overcoming the defenses of other nations.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, nuclear showdowns and missile tests have been a tactic used to deter other countries from intervening in the conflict and as a display of their military might.

Nuclear modernization promises. Putin reiterated his commitment to keep the country’s nuclear forces “sufficiently prepared” without embarking on a new arms race, the New York Times said. The President said that resources will be invested in new generation nuclear-armed submarines, long-range bombers and mobile missile launchers, with a focus on self-defense, and that these will ensure the country’s security against external threats.

Internal messages and deterrence. The fact is that since the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian President has emphasized his focus on weapons of mass destruction, partly to raise domestic morale considering the performance of Russian troops in the conflict, but also, and more importantly, as a warning. The West will not increase its support for Ukraine.

For the Kremlin, the delivery of advanced weapons to Ukraine risks direct confrontation with Russia; However, Ukraine considers these warnings as simple threats and recalls that the Russian side did not give a strong response to previous deliveries of Western weapons, which were considered “taboo” at that time.

Ukraine “campaign”. But the war continues. While North Korean troops are deciding whether to join the fight, Insider reports that Ukraine has launched a campaign to encourage North Korean troops in Russia to defect. Like? In return, people talk about ensuring a “safe and well-fed life in comfortable barracks” in return for guaranteeing them shelter and food using their “I Want to Live” delivery platform on Telegram.

In a video directed at North Korean troops, Ukraine shows footage of prisoner of war camps and highlights the humane treatment and good living conditions that Russian deserters receive, with regular meals and comfortable beds. The video (slightly above) is accompanied by a phone number and a QR code, facilitating contact for those seeking asylum.

Geopolitical context and ally support. The Ukrainian initiative appears aimed at taking advantage of possible discontent among some soldiers and weakening external support for Russian forces amid the conflict. In any case, these moves seem to evade one idea: The Ukraine campaign underscores Russia’s greater dependence, at least ostensibly, on allies like North Korea to bolster its ranks and resources in the conflict.

However, as we said before, it seems that it will not be easy for North Korean troops to defect en masse.

Image | Roman Harak, Kremlin.ru

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