Russian POWs captured in Ukraine criticized North Korean troops for their recklessness and lack of discipline, demonstrating issues such as indiscriminate firing at all drones and erratic behavior. The soldiers noted that North Koreans were better equipped and fed, raising concerns regarding the efficiency of their cooperation in the ongoing conflict.
Recent reports from Ukrainian media outlets have revealed insights from Russian prisoners of war regarding the conduct of North Korean troops in their conflict. Two captured Russian soldiers were recorded expressing complaints about the perceived recklessness of their North Korean allies. One soldier highlighted incidents where North Koreans fired upon both approaching Russian forces and fellow North Koreans, stating, “They say that they’re headless, that they don’t care where to go and how they go. Insane guys.” Furthermore, the soldiers noted the indiscriminate nature of North Korean fire aimed at any airborne objects, including drones belonging to both Russian and Ukrainian forces. The sentiment expressed was that maintaining distance from North Korean troops resulted in a more serene environment, as articulated by one soldier: “To be honest, the farther away from the Koreans, the calmer it is… They shoot at … anything that flies. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Russian or Ukrainian (drone).”
Moreover, the Russian soldiers acknowledged that North Korean troops are reportedly better equipped and better nourished compared to their own conditions. One soldier asserted, “I know they eat well. If they eat raw smoked sausage, the most delicious thing we ate in the dining room was buckwheat porridge.” This commentary presents further evidence of North Korea’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a collaboration that remains publicly unacknowledged by both Pyongyang and Moscow.
The current conflict between Ukraine and Russia has drawn in various international actors, and reports of North Korean military involvement have surfaced amidst ongoing hostilities. North Korea, known for its authoritarian regime and militaristic tendencies, has been purportedly providing assistance to Russian forces. This has raised questions regarding the effectiveness and discipline of the troops involved, particularly when assessing how external forces, such as North Korean soldiers, are integrating within the Russian military framework during this geopolitical strife.
In summary, the revelations from Russian POWs underscore significant concerns regarding the professionalism and operational effectiveness of North Korean troops engaged in the Ukraine conflict. The soldiers’ testimonies suggest a lack of discipline among the North Koreans, contributing to hazards on the battlefield, as they reportedly fire indiscriminately and exhibit erratic behavior. Additionally, their superior feeding and equipment standards compared to Russian POWs may indicate an alarming disparity in military provisioning.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
