Reports indicate that North Korean troops sent to the Ukraine war will operate independently on certain fronts rather than under Russian command.
Regarding the military command structure, Lim Kang Jin, a North Korean defector who served as a regimental commander in North Gangwon Province, explained, “They won’t be under Russian command but will operate with their independent command system. Although disguised as Russian units, the North Korean forces will be led by Kim Young Bok, the Vice Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff and former commander of the 11th Corps. He will discuss military operations with Russian commanders at headquarters but will personally direct the troops. There won’t be any North Korean soldiers under the command of Russian officers, as some media outlets have suggested.”
Lim noted that North Korea has previously sent troops to support foreign conflicts, such as air force personnel during the Vietnam War. However, this deployment to Ukraine marks the first time they’ve sent infantry forces. “From my experience, whether in a foreign conflict or Russia itself, they maintain their own command style, only coordinating logistics with local forces,” he added.
Sources indicate that most of the North Korean troops sent to Russia are combat units, primarily special forces. Alongside these troops are engineering and logistics units. Still, experts believe that only a segment of North Korea’s main special forces units were deployed, with the rest drawn from regular infantry within the 11th Corps.
A source in North Pyongan Province reported, “Most of these troops are seasoned combat soldiers with over three years of military service, mostly special forces and infantry. While all combat troops technically belong to the 11th Corps, not all are elite special forces. The mix includes regular infantry drafted under the 11th Corps.” Based on the available information, the troops are mainly young soldiers in their early to mid-20s with three to five years of experience.
Lim also confirmed that “the main force includes the 11th Storm Corps’ combat units and regular infantry.” However, regarding economic support, he shared that families of deployed soldiers haven’t received financial assistance from the Central Party or the military. “Historically, North Korea doesn’t provide economic aid to soldiers’ families. The support was limited to medals and minor rations even after the Vietnam War. Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, compensation will likely be limited to medals or party memberships,” he said.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that casualties from the Russian deployment are being repatriated to North Korea. Kim Jong Un authorized a chartered plane for initial casualties due to their low numbers. However, as combat-related deaths increase, more soldiers’ remains are expected to be cremated in Russia, with the ashes transported to North Korea by train.
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