Summary

Russia is reportedly deploying up to 100,000 North Korean soldiers to support its war efforts, with salaries estimated at $2,000 per soldier per month.

However, experts believe most of the funds will go to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his regime, with little or none reaching the soldiers or their families.

The funds could bolster North Korea’s struggling economy, support military spending, and fund luxury goods to secure loyalty among elites.

Analysts warn the soldiers, including unprepared elite units, will likely face high casualties as “cannon fodder” in Ukraine.

    • Valmond@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      Selling. You don’t expect them to live, or being allowed back when they have seen something else than the brutal world in NK…

      • adarza@lemmy.ca
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        5 days ago

        so… is dprk sending their very best elite soldiers, or the rejects that can’t even lace up their own boots?

        • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
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          5 days ago

          Send your worst troops under your best commanders so the officers gain practical experience while sending Gomers to their doom.

        • BassTurd@lemmy.world
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          5 days ago

          I thought I saw or read that their special forces were using snorkels to sneak in the water. I know that doesn’t answer your question, but I wanted to pile on a little.

          • superkret@feddit.org
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            5 days ago

            That sounds like something the best elite soldiers would have done 100 years ago, and the rejects today.

  • Lucidlethargy@sh.itjust.works
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    5 days ago

    Giving your life for $2k/month… Jesus. That’s less than minimum wage where I live. And they don’t even get most of it, or perhaps any of it. That’s… Wow.

    • tibi@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      That’s a decent salary for Eastern Europe. In Ukraine, the median salary is below $500/mo. Just look at the map, $2000/mo puts you above average for all the countries in Eastern and Central Europe.

    • foggy@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      $12/hr for someone living in NK is a lot more money than $12/hr for someone in your neighborhood.

  • MushuChupacabra@lemmy.world
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    5 days ago

    Pleading, begging, and bargaining for North Korean soldiers is a sure sign that the Russians are doing very well with their special military operation.

  • Ton the Supermassive@lemm.ee
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    5 days ago

    Step 1: Ukraine captures as many Korean soldiers as possible Step 2: show them that they are being played by their own government Step 3: release them back Step 4 : ???

    Source: not a strategist

    • adarza@lemmy.ca
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      5 days ago

      show the russian soldiers that their new north korean comrades are paid more than they are.

  • ModestMeme@lemm.ee
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    5 days ago

    I wonder what the pleasant folks over at Hexbear think about this…

    • blackn1ght@feddit.uk
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      5 days ago

      “Uncritical support for brave socialist comrades giving their lives in defeating Nazis and NATO” or something on those lines

    • Dem Bosain@midwest.social
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      5 days ago

      Paying a soldier just makes them a mercenary. The best soldiers kill others with sheer ideology.

  • SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.de
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    5 days ago

    I mean, they are soldiers. They get their compensation by being a soldier (assuming that they get any pay at all. which is… debatable?).

    Why would anyone assume that the money goes to the soldiers?

    • /home/pineapplelover@lemm.ee
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      5 days ago

      Their compensation is allowing their families to continue living. Is that enough? Now pray to Kim Jong Un right now