Defense Chief Labels North Korean Troops in Russia as ‘Cannon Fodder Mercenaries’

Seoul: Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday criticized North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia, describing them as "cannon fodder mercenaries" and accusing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un of engaging his military in Russia's war in Ukraine for an "illegal war of aggression." According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these comments during a parliamentary audit session following a briefing by the National Intelligence Service. The intelligence agency informed lawmakers that approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers are suspected to have been dispatched to Russia to bolster its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Kim emphasized the unconventional nature of this deployment, noting that typically, when troops are sent abroad, they retain their national military identity, including uniforms, insignia, and flags. In contrast, he stated that North Korean soldiers are being integrated into Russian forces, wearing Russian uniforms, and operating under Russian command, which strips them of any operational author ity. The Defense Minister labeled this arrangement as a betrayal by Kim Jong-un, asserting that the North Korean leader has "sold his people's army for an illegal war of aggression." The situation has drawn international attention, particularly after a Ukrainian government-affiliated organization released video footage last week. The footage reportedly showed Asian soldiers, identified as having a North Korean accent, receiving equipment at a training facility in Russia's Far East. Further confirmation came from a White House official, who on Wednesday corroborated reports that North Korea had sent at least 3,000 troops to eastern Russia earlier this month, where they are currently undergoing training.