Russia

2024 - 11 - 5

When North Korean Troops Meet Ukrainian Fire: A Global Game of Chess!

North Korean Canada - Conflict - International Relations - Military Strategies - North Korea - Russia - Ukraine - North Korean

North Korean troops are dropping in to support Russia, but they're facing some fiery welcome parties from Ukraine! Find out how this international drama unfolds.

In a twist that could make even a soap opera writer blush, North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to assist in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Reports indicate that as many as 12,000 combat troops from the DPRK are on the ground, standing shoulder to shoulder with Russian forces. But it appears the welcome to the battlefield hasn’t been quite as warm as Moscow had hoped. Ukrainian forces have made it clear that they’re less than pleased with this turn of events, recently shelling the North Korean reinforcements. Talk about a frosty reception!

This military alliance is perplexing to many, as North Korean forces haven't seen significant combat since the Korean War in 1953. So, what’s driving Pyongyang to join this chaotic fray in Eastern Europe? Analysts suggest it calls into question the motivations of both nations: North Korea perhaps seeking validation and international significance, while Russia attempts to bolster its manpower in a war that is turning increasingly bloody and treacherous.

In addition to this North Korean escalation, concerns are growing over a more sinister side to Russia's playbook. Western officials suspect that Moscow might have been involved in a plot to send incendiary devices on cargo planes in Europe. Allegedly, the aim was to test various schemes for sabotage that could potentially harm logistics crucial to NATO and allied operations, prompting condemnation from Canada echoing their strong stance on international security. It just goes to show that in this geopolitical chess game, Russia knows how to take some dangerous gambits.

And while North Korean troops are dodging Ukrainian shells, it seems Russia's personnel management is as covert as its operational tactics – with claims against them for hiding the true extent of oil production from OPEC to fund its war efforts. With the stakes higher than ever, and tensions simmering, it’s clear that the global stage is set for a volatile showdown between old rivals.

Did you know that North Korea’s military, despite being highly symbolic, hasn’t experienced a regular combat deployment in decades? Its involvement in foreign conflicts is a major sign of its desire for international engagement, albeit through perilous alliances. Furthermore, Canada’s proactive diplomatic approach showcases its commitment to safeguarding international air travel, highlighting the importance of vigilance in today’s interconnected world.

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Image courtesy of "National Post"

North Korean troops in Russia shelled by Ukrainian forces, official ... (National Post)

US, South Korean and Ukrainian assessments say up to 12000 North Korean combat troops are being sent to the war under a pact with Moscow.

Foreign Ministers' Statement on the deployment of DPRK troops to ... (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

Several thousands of DPRK troops have been deployed to Russia. The DPRK's direct support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, besides showing ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

North Korean troops reportedly on Russian front lines amid ... (Aljazeera.com)

A combat role for Pyongyang's troops risks entry of third state into conflict prompted by Moscow's invasion in 2022.

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Image courtesy of "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"

Behind the Scenes, Preparations for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

Most revealing was what Austin omitted. He and other U.S. leaders remain silent on allowing Ukraine to strike the military installations on Russian soil from ...

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Image courtesy of "Foreign Policy"

North Korea Joining Russia's Fight Against Ukraine Is a Sign of ... (Foreign Policy)

In effect, the White House thus signaled to the Kremlin that there will be no U.S. reaction if North Korean troops fight in Kursk—which will, in turn, free up ...

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Image courtesy of "Forces Network"

What does North Korea gain by sending troops to support Russia's ... (Forces Network)

The last time the Korean People's Army (KPA) saw any meaningful conventional combat was back in 1953 during the Korean War. For Pyongyang, sending thousands of ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Russia suspected of sending incendiary devices on US- and ... (CNN)

Incendiary devices that ignited in Germany and the United Kingdom in July were part of a covert Russian operation, the Wall Street Journal reports.

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

Western officials suspect Russia was behind a plot to put incendiary ... (PBS NewsHour)

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Western security officials suspect Russian intelligence was behind a plot to put incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes headed ...

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Image courtesy of "The Globe and Mail"

Canada raises concerns over reported Russian plot targeting planes ... (The Globe and Mail)

Parcels that exploded at logistics depots in Europe were allegedly part of a test run for a Russian scheme leading to a wider sabotage campaign.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Russian Plot Placed Incendiary Devices on Cargo Planes in Europe ... (The New York Times)

Western officials are investigating whether devices planted at shipping hubs in Europe may have been a test run by Russian operatives for placing them on ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Russia suspected of plot to send incendiary devices on planes ... (ABC News)

In Poland, four people were charged in connection with camouflaged explosives that "detonated during land and air transport" in the U.K. in July, according to a ...

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Image courtesy of "CBC.ca"

Canada expresses concerns to Russia after reports of plot to put ... (CBC.ca)

The government of Canada has expressed concerns directly to Russia following reports that Moscow was behind a plot to put incendiary devices on planes ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

North Korean troops in Russia are shelled by Ukrainian forces, an ... (ABC News)

A Kyiv official says North Korean troops recently deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine have come under Ukrainian fire.

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Image courtesy of "Voice of America"

Report: Russia deceives OPEC on oil sales to fund Ukraine war (Voice of America)

Russia is “flagrantly violating” its agreements with the OPEC oil cartel by concealing the true amount of oil it is producing and selling, according to a ...

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

Russia and Iran ramping up influence campaigns targeting U.S. ... (PBS NewsHour)

The nation's federal law enforcement and election security agencies are debunking two new examples of Russian election disinformation.

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Image courtesy of "WIRED"

Russia Is Going All Out on Election Day Interference (WIRED)

Along with other foreign influence operations—including from Iran—Kremlin-backed campaigns to stoke division and fear have gone into overdrive.

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Image courtesy of "CTV News"

Ukrainian troops have engaged with North Korean units for the 1st ... (CTV News)

Ukrainian troops have for the first time engaged with North Korean units that were recently deployed to help Russia in the war with its neighbour, ...

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Ukrainian troops clash with N. Korean units for the first time in ... (FRANCE 24)

Ukrainian soldiers have clashed with North Korean units that were recently deployed to support Russia for the first time, Ukraine's defence ministry ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

FBI reports new hoax videos, after warnings that Russia is trying to ... (NPR)

This story originally appeared as part of NPR's live coverage of the 2024 election. For more election coverage from the NPR Network head to our live updates ...

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