Kim meets families of North Korea soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine

Diplomatic Affairs

South Korean President Kim met with the families of the dozen or so North Korean soldiers who died fighting on the side of Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting was described as "heartbreaking" by the presidential office, as the families expressed their hope for an improvement in inter-Korean relations. The president expressed his condolences and vowed to assist the families in need. This unusual gesture comes at a time when Russia is pushing for recognition of its annexation of Ukraine's southern Crimea region, and highlights the complex diplomatic challenges facing Seoul.

War Impact

The deceased North Korean soldiers were among hundreds of foreigners who have joined foreign paramilitary groups fighting in Ukraine. Russia has recruited extensively from among its diaspora populations and offered generous payments for those willing to join its "foreign legions." Ukraine, for its part, has also actively recruited foreign volunteers, although the exact number of foreigners fighting for Kyiv is not known. Experts suggest these fighters have had a mixed record in the conflict, with some units, like the Georgian Legion, gaining a reputation for effectiveness, while other, less organized groups have achieved little.

Geopolitical Implications

The deaths of the North Korean soldiers are unlikely to have a material impact on the war, given the relatively small number of volunteers involved. But they do highlight the broader phenomenon of foreigners fighting in the war and the difficulties Russia and Ukraine face in recruiting sufficiently motivated and effective combatants. For Seoul, the deaths highlight the complexities of its attempts to engage Pyongyang, which has shown no interest in cooperating with South Korea, and Moscow, which has sought to strengthen relations since the war began. The families' desire for improved inter-Korean relations also underscores the difficulties of achieving any meaningful rapprochement between the two Koreas in the near future.

Conclusion

This poignant meeting between Kim and the families of the deceased North Korean soldiers highlights the human costs of the war in Ukraine, as well as the complex diplomatic challenges facing Seoul. While the deaths of these soldiers are unlikely to significantly impact the war, they do shed light on the murky world of foreign fighters involved on both sides.