North Korean Soldiers in Russia: A Strategic Gamble?

In a worrying development, reports have surfaced indicating that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including Special Forces, have been sent to Russia amid the ongoing war. Ukrainian military expert Ivan Stack has presented a skeptical view on the effectiveness of these troops, noting that the North Korean forces haven't engaged in combat since 1953. He suggests they may not turn the tide of the conflict but could create challenges due to sheer numbers. Furthermore, concerns arise about the circumstances under which these soldiers are being deployed. How much Russia has compensated North Korea for these troops remains unclear, along with their specified roles in the battlefront. There's speculation that agreements between North Korea and Russia involve the potential use of these soldiers in a lower capacity or as support forces. South Korean MP Lee's Quai highlighted North Korea's attempts to control the narrative by isolating families of deployed troops to prevent defections. The psychological pressure on these soldiers is severe, as failure could lead to dire consequences for their families back home, instilling a 'zombie-like' obedience. This situation presents both strategic advantages and humanitarian concerns, as displayed by a separate incident involving a drone attack in Kiev, illustrating the ongoing tragedy of the conflict. This is not merely a matter of military calculus; the human cost of war resonates louder than strategic maneuvering.