North Korea is reportedly enhancing its relationship with Russia by providing care for wounded Russian soldiers and hosting children orphaned by the conflict in Ukraine, as stated by the Russian ambassador to Pyongyang.
Ambassador Alexander Matsegora disclosed the presence of hundreds of injured Russian troops and an unspecified number of Russian war orphans in North Korea during an interview with a state-run news outlet. This revelation marks one of the first public acknowledgments of North Korea's support for Russia's military efforts amid the ongoing war.
The ties between the two nations have strengthened significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago, with North Korean troops recently joining Russian forces in combat. Matsegora noted that North Korea has been caring for injured Russian soldiers, highlighting the rehabilitation of these troops at Korean sanitariums and clinics.
Additionally, North Korea has taken in Russian children whose fathers died in the conflict, housing them at the Songdowon children’s recreation center in Wonsan. The ambassador emphasized that the North Koreans are providing this care at no cost, and he indicated that North Korea's leaders were offended by offers to cover expenses for the children.
Experts suggest that the practice of communist countries supporting each other’s wounded soldiers and orphans during wartime is a long-standing tradition. According to a documentary filmmaker, Kim Deog Young, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reviving this tradition amid the current geopolitical climate.
The timeline of the arrival of Russian soldiers and orphans in North Korea remains unclear, although reports indicated that North Korea began treating wounded Russian soldiers in Wonsan last year. There was also an indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin had intended to visit these soldiers during a trip to North Korea, but the visit was ultimately canceled.
Concerns have been raised regarding the quality of medical care that Russian soldiers receive in North Korea, given the country’s struggling public health system. Despite this, Wonsan is considered one of the more developed areas in North Korea, where efforts are being made to attract foreign tourism.
Recent analyses have cast doubt on the claims of Russian troops being treated in North Korea, suggesting that the Russian military has been sending wounded personnel back to combat without proper care. However, it is noted that the presence of experienced Russian soldiers in North Korea could facilitate military collaboration between the two nations.
If verified, the treatment of Russian troops in North Korea would exemplify the deepening ties between the two countries. North Korea has reportedly sent around 11,000 soldiers to Russia and has supplied various military equipment, while receiving oil, food, and assistance in weapon upgrades in return.
Despite suffering significant casualties, North Korea appears poised to continue its military support for Russia, as indicated by Kim Jong-un's recent statements affirming solidarity with the Russian military's efforts to defend its sovereignty.