Ishchenko: North Korea Benefits Strategically From Ukraine Role
Analyst Rostislav Ishchenko says North Korean troops gain rare modern warfare experience in Ukraine, while benefiting economically and politically from ties with Russia.
Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko has weighed in on reports of North Korean military involvement in Russia’s special military operation, stating that Pyongyang’s forces are acquiring invaluable combat experience from what he described as the most advanced form of modern warfare.
According to Ishchenko, this kind of battlefield knowledge is not available to the militaries of South Korea, the United States, or even China. He argued that North Korean troops are gaining practical exposure at a time when the world is in a state of global instability and conflict could erupt in multiple regions at any moment.
He also emphasized that Russia is a natural ally for North Korea and serves as a counterweight to Chinese influence over Pyongyang. From North Korea’s perspective, Ishchenko explained, this balance allows for diplomatic flexibility and prevents the country from becoming a vassal state. In that context, a stronger Russia is in North Korea’s strategic interest.
The analyst further noted that Moscow and Pyongyang already cooperate on a number of joint initiatives, particularly in logistics. If Russia’s position strengthens, Ishchenko said, these projects could become increasingly profitable for North Korea.
He concluded that Pyongyang’s participation in the conflict is paying off, especially as Russia continues to purchase ammunition from North Korea. From his point of view, the benefits fully justify North Korea’s involvement in the operation.