North Korea May Send Its Engineering Units to the Occupied Territories of Ukraine

On June 21, it was reported that North Korea might send a large engineering force to help rebuild infrastructure in the Russia-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine, according to South Korea’s TV Chosun, citing government sources. The deployment could begin as early as July 2024, to help rebuild infrastructure in the occupied Donetsk.

With its 10 reported engineering brigades, North Korea could see an estimated $115 million financial boost from Russia, for its reconstruction work in Ukraine.

The US Department of Defense expressed concern about this development. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder stated they will be closely monitoring the situation. He also warned North Korea that sending troops to Ukraine would be a mistake, suggesting they would become “cannon fodder” in Russia’s war.

The Institute for the Study of War has not yet found evidence, indicating that North Korean military personnel intend to participate in combat in Ukraine, however, their engineering support could be significant, freeing up Russian combat forces for the frontlines and aiding Russia’s expansion of military infrastructure in occupied Ukraine.

This comes shortly after Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership agreement and visited Vietnam. Some analysts believe Russia is building a coalition of friendly states, that might include countries with historical ties to the Soviet Union, like North Korea and Vietnam.