North Korea

2024 - 11 - 3

When Kim Jong-un Plays Chess, the Board Just Got a Whole Lot Bigger!

Geopolitics - International Relations - Kim Jong-un - North Korea - Russia - Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

North Korea and Russia are brewing a storm over Ukraine that could make even your local pub brawl look like a tea party!

The political chess game on the global front just took an unexpected twist as North Korea has promised support to Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This major alliance effectively internationalizes an already complex situation, adding layers of instability to the geopolitical landscape. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has been vocal about the urgency to act, as reports indicate that around 8000 North Korean soldiers are poised near the Ukraine border in Russia's Kursk region. This move has caused a wave of concern and urgency among Ukrainian allies, who now face a new, menacing threat on the battlefield.

Zelenskyy has called upon Western allies to stop being mere spectators in what he terms a perilous play that could escalate tensions beyond Ukraine. This isn’t just about keeping an eye on the situation; it’s about action before the North Korean troops, dubbed 'the Kim-fans', start flexing their muscles on the frontline. The Ukrainian president points out that while Kyiv waits for support, adversaries are amassing troops, potentially eager to join the fray under the guise of international collaboration. The situation is now precarious; if North Korean forces join Russian troops, the dynamics of the conflict would take a dramatic turn.

Nations involved in the Ukrainian situation are facing a dilemma of distraction as North Korea and Russia reaffirm their commitment to their partnership. Recently, North Korea’s leaders extolled the virtues of President Vladimir Putin, viewing him as embodying wise leadership. With mutual aid provisions agreed upon, the ramifications of this cooperation could invite better-defined strategic responses from other nations, leaving allies of Ukraine at a crossroads as they plan their next moves.

Meanwhile, an expert commentary suggests that China had prior knowledge of the North Korean troop deployment, a reminder that these geopolitical games often have ripple effects across multiple nations. The U.S. is now attempting to exert pressure on Beijing, urging them to rein in Pyongyang and prevent its direct involvement in Ukraine's tumult. This complex web of alliances and tensions illustrates that international relations are as unpredictable as the weather in Melbourne, where a sunny day can quickly turn into a thunderstorm.

Did you know that North Korea and Russia have been historically intertwined, even collaborating on military ventures? This partnership dates back several decades and has revived conversations on global military alliances. The stakes are rising, and this newfound military presence is expected to raise alarms not just in Kyiv but on the world stage - like a bad Tinder date gone wrong! Hopefully, cooler heads prevail and a disaster is averted, but with Kim Jong-un and Putin at play, expect adjustments to the international chessboard from here on out!

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

The Observer view on Ukraine: the west must give Zelenskyy free ... (The Guardian)

By promising troops to Russia, Kim Jong-un has internationalised the conflict, adding to instability around the world.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges allies to stop just 'watching' amid North ... (The Guardian)

Ukrainian president calls on countries to step in before troops sent to Russia by Pyongyang reach battlefield.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

North Korea, Russia reaffirm commitment to partnership accord (Reuters)

The foreign ministers of North Korea and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to implement provisions agreed in June between the leaders of the two nations, ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges allies to act before North Korean troops ... (CBS News)

The Biden administration said Thursday that some 8000 North Korean soldiers are now in Russia's Kursk region near Ukraine's border.

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Image courtesy of "POLITICO.eu"

Zelenskyy to West: Let us hit North Korean troops in Russia (POLITICO.eu)

Everyone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start attacking Ukrainians,” Ukraine's president says.

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Image courtesy of "The Defense Post"

North Korea Says Will Stand By Russia Until 'Victory' in Ukraine (The Defense Post)

She said North Korea had no doubt in the “wise leadership” of President Vladimir Putin, who signed a mutual assistance pact with Pyongyang this summer and ...

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Image courtesy of "News.Az"

Expert: China had advance knowledge of North Korean troop ... (News.Az)

The U.S. had jumped on the opportunity, hoping to pressure China to dissuade North Korea from taking an active part in Russia's war against Ukraine. ...

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