North Korean Koksan artillery guns have been identified in Crimea, indicating deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Military transportation of these guns may facilitate future attacks against Ukrainian territories, paving the way for potential deployment of North Korean troops beyond recognized borders.
The presence of North Korean 170mm Koksan artillery guns in Crimea signifies an increasing involvement of Pyongyang in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recently, a military train was observed in northern Crimea transporting several self-propelled artillery systems along with military cargo, including a truck similar to those used in North Korean military parades.
While the precise function of the truck remains uncertain, it may be linked to transporting multiple launch rocket system components or supporting Koksan artillery operations. Notably, the Koksan guns are equipped with a range of up to 60 kilometers, capable of threatening Ukrainian defenses, particularly in areas like Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, where their deployment may assist in upcoming Russian offensives.
Reports suggest that North Korean ground forces have so far operated solely within Russia’s recognized borders but are now potentially poised to extend their operations into Ukraine. The confirmed deployment of Koksan artillery in Crimea raises the possibility of North Korean troops being dispatched to the region, fundamentally shifting their role from passive supporter to active combatant in the conflict against Ukraine.
While Ukrainian forces have effectively utilized drones to destroy several of these Koksan systems, the scale of support from North Korea appears significant, with speculations of up to 200 units being sent to bolster Russian artillery capabilities. The implications of such a partnership could lead to a marked increase in hostilities within the conflict, especially given the severe artillery shortages faced by Russia in recent months.
The evolving military dynamics in Ukraine underscore the critical nature of North Korean support, whereby reports indicate that North Korean-supplied artillery shells now comprise a dominant portion of Russian artillery used in eastern Ukraine. The ongoing cooperation suggests increased complexities in the conflict, highlighting a potential shift towards more direct engagement between North Korea and Ukraine.
The revelation of North Korean Koksan artillery systems in Crimea suggests an escalated level of involvement by North Korea in the Ukraine conflict. If confirmed, the presence of these artillery guns could lead to the deployment of North Korean ground troops, moving their role from merely supporting Russian operations to actively engaging against Ukraine. This shift would significantly impact the regional military landscape and may lead to intensified warfare in the region.
Original Source: www.kyivpost.com
