Ukraine identifies North Korean generals allegedly assisting Russia in conflict

Ukraine recently named three high-ranking North Korean generals it claims are overseeing thousands of Korean People's Army (KPA) troops deployed to Russia to support Moscow’s war effort.

In a U.N. Security Council statement on October 30, Ukraine’s delegation said these generals are among at least 500 North Korean officers sent to Russia, with plans to integrate KPA troops into Russian units to mask their presence, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

The North Korean deployment reportedly includes five formations of 2,000-3,000 soldiers each. Russia has not denied North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, and North Korea has defended the deployment as consistent with international law. Russian U.N. envoy Vasily Nebenzya argued that Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea is lawful and that Moscow reserves the right to seek support from allies.

Colonel General Kim Yong Bok is a senior officer who commands special forces, including the elite XI Corps or Storm Corps. The South Korean intelligence service has linked this unit to deployment in Russia. According to Michael Madden, a North Korean leadership expert with the Stimson Center, Kim oversees the KPA Light Infantry Training Guidance Bureau, which includes units involved in special missions under North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau. Kim has attended several events with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year, including special forces drills, suggesting his presence in Russia as a direct envoy of Kim Jong Un. Madden notes that Kim Yong Bok may eventually hand over operational command to a senior subordinate once the KPA unit is fully established.

Colonel General Ri Chang Ho is another top figure Ukraine named, who serves as Deputy Chief of the General Staff and heads the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea's main intelligence agency. Sanctioned by South Korea for alleged cyber-hacking operations, Ri has frequently accompanied Kim Jong Un to military inspections this year, reinforcing his prominent role.

Major General Sin Kum Cheol, Head of the Main Operational Directorate, is likely to assume command of the North Korean forces in Russia once Kim and Ri return to North Korea, according to Madden. Details of Sin's career remain unclear, but his rank suggests he may be responsible for leading the KPA deployment on Russian soil.

Meanwhile, China may be uneasy about the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as it risks weakening Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang. According to The Economist, Chinese officials are avoiding public comments on North Korean troops in Russia but reportedly express concern privately. Analysts suggest China fears that the strengthened Russia-North Korea partnership could make Kim Jong Un less reliant on China, traditionally North Korea's largest trade partner. Additionally, with Russia’s backing, Kim may adopt a more confrontational approach toward South Korea, potentially destabilizing the region and impacting Chinese border cities.

Despite officially designating 2024 as a “year of friendship,” some Chinese social media users, typically subject to strict censorship, have raised questions about North Korea's actions potentially harming Chinese interests. “The Chinese like to say they have no influence over North Korea, but they are guarding their influence,” said Victor Cha, a Washington-based think tank expert. According to Cha, China may feel it has “lost control” of its leverage over Pyongyang as the Russia-North Korea alliance strengthens.

By Tamilla Hasanova