The General Commented on the Possible Use of North Korean Self-Propelled Artillery by the Russian Army.

Problems of the North Korean Contingent in Russia

The supply of howitzers from North Korea to Russia indicates that the North Korean contingent in the RF is experiencing difficulties with the use of Russian weaponry and equipment.

This opinion was expressed by Army General Mykola Malomuzh, former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (2005-2010), commenting on the message from Ukrainian intelligence about the supply of over a hundred self-propelled artillery systems (SPAS) and hundreds of KN-23/24 ballistic missiles to Moscow from Pyongyang, on the air of FREEДОМ.

'They [North Korean soldiers] lack motivation, combat coordination has not been conducted, and most importantly – there are issues with the use of weaponry and equipment. Therefore, the North Koreans are transferring tactical weapons – armored vehicles, SPAS – primarily to the areas where the North Korean contingents are located, since they are already trained. Accordingly, [the transferred weapons] will most likely be used on the Kursk front. Perhaps, if there are breakthroughs from our side, they will try to send the North Koreans to the Donetsk front. But this is just a prospect,' he commented.

Regarding ballistic supply, Malomuzh reminds: the North Korean KN-23/24 missiles have been used by Russia to strike Ukraine for a long Time.

'They are of low quality, have ineffective guidance systems, but they shoot, so they will be used in conjunction with ballistic and cruise missiles of the Russian Federation in certain sectors. Perhaps to deliver a terrorist uncontrolled strike simply on populated areas without aiming, to create casualties, as these missiles, I reiterate, cannot be specifically aimed at a precise target. Therefore, of course, they are dangerous, but there are not many of them. We intercept them if they strike major cities where we have good air defense systems: Patriot, IRIS-T, SAMP/T and a number of other systems provided by our American and European allies,' the general stated.

He also noted that there is currently pressure on Pyongyang from Washington, and they must understand: in the event of an escalation on the Korean Peninsula, Moscow will not come to their aid.

'There is currently very strong pressure on North Korea from the USA with threats including strikes if it starts to escalate the situation near South Korea. South Korea is raising the level of military preparedness, and this is already a threat to North Korea. I will add: North Korea will receive no assistance from Russia. We have seen what is happening in Syria... Active hostilities are underway, insurgents have entered Aleppo, and are already directly threatening the regime. Russia needs to react, or it may lose its most powerful format of influence, but there are practically no forces left. Therefore, the division of attention between Syria and North Korea, if something happens there, Russia will not have. Let Syrians and North Koreans know: Russia will never help, it uses them. And this, so to speak, is the most cynical format,' Mykola Malomuzh said.