North Korean Troops in Ukraine Face Desertion Concerns

Reports indicate that North Korean troops, particularly the Storm Corps, are being deployed to support Russian forces in Ukraine, with former soldiers expressing grave concerns about their readiness and treatment. Hyun-Seung Lee, a defector, notes that the young soldiers are likely to be used as 'human shields' and may face severe societal pressure against desertion due to North Korea's 'guilt by association' policy, which punishes families of defectors. While some may attempt to flee, experts believe the troops may initially struggle with loyalty and commitment. Additionally, there are reports of these soldiers experiencing unrestricted internet access for the first time, leading to indulgence in pornography, which raises questions about their psychological state. As the situation unfolds on the battlefield, experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of these troops, considering their lack of combat experience since the Vietnam War. Overall, the combination of poor equipment, inadequate training, and harsh regime repercussions creates a volatile environment for the North Korean soldiers in Russia.