Whereas the event was “alarming”, it didn’t come as a shock and is a mirrored image of Russia’s desperation, mentioned Chun In-Bum, former commander of South Korea’s Particular Forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants extra manpower as a result of he has misplaced many troopers, mentioned the retired lieutenant normal.
“If he mobilises extra troops, meaning his … help from the final inhabitants may deteriorate, which may undermine his … energy,” he informed CNA’s East Asia programme on Tuesday.
“This type of manpower assist, particularly (from) an expert army just like the North Koreans, it ought to be an enormous enhance for his efforts towards Ukraine,” he mentioned.
He added, nonetheless, that it’s but to be seen how the North Korean troopers, will act beneath fireplace.
Putin has not denied North Korean troops are within the nation.
Conventional allies Russia and North Korea have lately boosted ties, with Pyongyang’s chief Kim Jong Un making a uncommon abroad journey to satisfy Putin in Russia’s Far East final September.
Putin signed a mutual defence treaty with Kim in Pyongyang in June whereas making his first go to to the remoted nation in 24 years.
Choe has already visited Russia in January and September this 12 months.
The Russian embassy in Pyongyang mentioned Choe’s newest go to got here after the international locations’ leaders agreed to step up “strategic dialogue” at their June assembly.
