Is Putin playing with fire by recruiting North Koreans for his war in Ukraine? With that move, he enrages arch-enemy South Korea - and that country is a giant in the field of defense.
South Korea is not happy that North Korea is getting involved in the Ukraine conflict, especially not if dictator Kim Jong-un gets nuclear knowledge in return from Russia.
On Red Square this week, Muscovites had their picture taken with North Korean soldiers who were ready to go to the Ukrainian front. Apparently, the Russians see no objection to becoming buddies with the most miserable dictatorship in the world.
South Korea is certainly not happy that their northern neighbors are getting involved in the Ukraine conflict, especially not if dictator Kim Jong-un gets nuclear knowledge in return from Russia. That is why South Korea is scaling up its defense industry considerably. And the country was already no small fry militarily. South Koreans will also supply equipment and knowledge to Ukraine. A new party is joining the conflict.
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South Korea is one of the world's largest defense powers "Sending North Korean troops to Ukraine could be a big mistake by Putin," says Artur Rehi, a well-known war blogger and officer from Estonia. "Seoul has stated its readiness to provide direct military assistance to Ukraine, including the supply of artillery, tanks and other modern weapons. South Korea is one of the world's largest defense powers with a powerful military industry, whose products are in demand all over the world."
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Painful scandal in Ukraine: employees of the public prosecutor's office commit fraud to avoid going to the front South Korea has quickly entered the top ten of largest defence exporters. And President Yoon Suk Yeol wants to enter the top four, says researcher Gabrielle Godard of the Belgian think tank EIAS. Moreover, Korea wants to play a clearer role on the world stage and become the 'armory of global democracy'. In the past, America adorned itself with that title.
'South Korea's decision could significantly change the balance of power in Ukraine' "South Korea's decision to join the conflict could significantly change the balance of power," says Rehi. "South Korea not only has high-tech weapons, but also trained military specialists who can provide Ukraine with advisory support in the fight against North Korean troops."
Sending troops to Ukraine, as well as supplying weapons, could encourage other countries to follow South Korea's example, he predicts. "South Korean weapons and technology give Ukraine a new advantage. Their specialists help to counter the threat of North Korean soldiers.''
According to its own legislation, South Korea is not allowed to supply weapons to a country that is at war. But Seoul has already indicated that it will circumvent that law. Then nothing will stand in the way of the rapid delivery of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
Poland and Norway already buy in bulk from South Korea The Netherlands has not yet set its sights on South Korean weapons, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirms. The vast majority of our systems come from America, Germany, France or Scandinavia. It is not surprising that French and German defence companies are not cheering that South Korea is suddenly targeting the European market with competitive prices and an extensive catalogue.
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Poland and Norway already buy in bulk from South Korea. Poland is putting a thousand tanks, hundreds of armoured howitzers, hundreds of Himars-like systems, fighter jets on the order list.
The sale of South Korean weapons to Poland has provoked sharp criticism from Moscow. Russia is now also flirting with North Korea to put pressure on South Korea, the Belgian think tank believes. The North Korean regime receives money, gas and oil from Moscow - and possibly also knowledge of nuclear weapons. Bad news for their southern neighbours.
'North Korean soldiers end up in the meat grinder' Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Bolder, retired, of the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) also does not think that Putin is getting very nervous about South Korea's involvement. "A major mistake? I don't think so. The arms support from South Korea can never compensate for a possible loss of aid from the US. Putin is simply looking hard for soldiers to send into the meat grinder."
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North Koreans arrive in Kursk: 'Let them desert immediately' It is also beneficial for Putin if the Korean conflict flares up, says Bolder. "America will then have an extra concern and can focus less on the situation in Ukraine. Ultimately, this turn of events is a sum of pluses and minuses for Putin."
South Korea's assertiveness is not only good news for the West, says Bolder. "Here, a new country is being dragged into the war. The conflict is spreading like an oil slick and that is worrying for the rest of the world."
Minister Brekelmans (Defense) has strengthened ties with Seoul The Netherlands may not have ordered weapons from Seoul yet, but ties are certainly being strengthened. In September, Defense Minister Brekelmans visited various defense companies, such as LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace. He also attended a trade fair on artificial intelligence.
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Dutch soldiers at Russian border with Lithuania anticipate the worst: 'It's one big trap' And at the end of last year, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met our king during a state visit to the Netherlands. At the Maritime Museum, he was given a demonstration of Dutch defense gadgets, such as an electric buggy. Both countries agreed to work together more closely in military matters, for example by exercising together, exchanging equipment and sharing knowledge on topics such as AI and robots.
