Ukraine has claimed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine to monitor the quality of ammunition supplied to Russia, according to a report by the Kyiv Post on October 7.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), stated that North Korea stationed its military personnel in the Donetsk region after concerns were raised over the poor quality of ammunition provided to Russia in large quantities.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the North Korean soldiers accompany Russian forces during ammunition transport, record defects, and observe the storage and usage of the ammunition, Kovalenko added.
Previously, U.S. and South Korean intelligence estimated that since the start of the war in Ukraine, North Korea had supplied Russia with 5 million rounds of 122mm artillery shells. North Korea is also reported to have delivered several Hwasong-11 missiles to Russia.
However, the quality of North Korean ammunition and missiles has been criticized. Ukrainian reports indicate that Russian troops operating North Korean ammunition have experienced weapon malfunctions, including guns and mortars breaking down and injuries to personnel. Nearly half of the North Korean missiles reportedly failed to reach their targets, either crashing prematurely or exploding in midair.
The Kyiv Post also reported that six North Korean soldiers who died in a Ukrainian attack in Donetsk on October 3 were likely part of an ammunition quality control team. Another local Ukrainian media outlet claimed that while North Korean soldiers are not directly involved in combat, they have shared combat experiences with Russian troops.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense has suggested that in addition to supplying ammunition and missiles, North Korea may also send regular troops to support Russia. At a parliamentary audit on October 8, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said, “Given the near military alliance between Russia and North Korea, there is a strong possibility that North Korea could dispatch its regular military forces.”
He added, “The reported casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine are likely true based on various circumstances.”
Despite the criticism of North Korean weapon quality, experts warn against underestimating their potential impact.
The Ukrainian Military Center, a local defense website, noted that “although North Korean weapons are of poor quality, they have caused significant damage in Ukraine.” It also pointed out that North Korea may be gaining access to new missile systems, satellite technologies, tanks, and aircraft through its arms deals with Russia.
BY HYEONJUN PARK, YOUNGNAM KIM [park.hyeonjun@joongang.co.kr]
