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Russia Sends Wounded Soldiers to North Korea for Medical Care
Recent statements from a Russian diplomat highlight a notable development in the ties between Russia and North Korea, revealing that Russian soldiers injured during the conflict in Ukraine are being sent to North Korean medical facilities for recovery.
In remarks made by Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang, it was disclosed that this arrangement involves “hundreds” of troops. This information came to light during a comprehensive interview published by the state-run outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Ambassador Matsegora emphasized the significance of this cooperation, saying, “A clear example of such a brotherly attitude is the rehabilitation of hundreds of wounded soldiers of the SVO in Korean sanatoriums and hospitals.” The term “SVO” refers to the Kremlin’s characterization of the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation.”
He also indicated that North Korea has opted against requesting any form of compensation from Russia for this initiative, stating, “Everything related to staying in the DPRK, all this was absolutely free.”
The ambassador noted a favorable perception of Russians within North Korea, and he pointed out ongoing collaborative educational programs involving students and internships.
This development underscores the strengthening alliance between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, revealing its implications not just on the battlefield but also in broader humanitarian and educational contexts.
Kim Jong Un’s leadership has reportedly dispatched approximately 11,000 to 12,000 elite troops to assist in the conflict, raising concerns in Western nations that North Korean forces could gain invaluable battlefield experience as a result.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington suggest that the influx of Russian soldiers with combat experience could be leveraged to transfer military knowledge to North Korean forces while they ostensibly recuperate.
Matsegora also disclosed plans for North Korean educators to be stationed in key Russian cities—including Moscow, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok—where they would teach the Korean language and engage in joint educational endeavors.
This educational initiative may serve to foster stronger ties and facilitate the potential for further North Korean support, enhancing Russia’s manpower options amid sanctions and military needs.
Furthermore, reports suggest a significant rise in the number of North Koreans entering Russia for work, with a recent estimate indicating over 13,000 crossings in 2024. This represents a substantial increase compared to prior years and may also reflect a rebound from pandemic-related restrictions.
The South Korean National Intelligence Service has reported that many of the North Koreans arriving in Russia are being sent to construction sites, addressing labor shortages as Russian efforts to recruit soldiers continue to strain the workforce.
There are allegations from the NIS that Pyongyang and Moscow are manipulating student visa programs as a means to covertly send workers to Russia, evading scrutiny from the international community, amid strict sanctions against both countries.
The tension from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its reverberations in regional geopolitics continues to shape the dynamics between North Korea and Russia, with both nations looking to navigate through layers of international sanctions and military challenges.
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