Russia is paying $2,000 a month for each North Korean soldier, per reports. But the soldiers, who could number 100,000, probably won't see any of it.

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.worldEnglish
      371·
      9 hours 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…

      • adarzaEnglish
        61·
        8 hours ago

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

        • deegeese@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          21·
          8 hours ago

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

        • BassTurd@lemmy.worldEnglish
          91·
          8 hours 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.orgEnglish
            9·
            8 hours ago

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

  • MushuChupacabra@lemmy.worldEnglish
    181·
    9 hours 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.eeEnglish
    201·
    9 hours 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

    • adarzaEnglish
      301·
      9 hours ago

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

  • ModestMeme@lemm.eeEnglish
    142·
    9 hours ago

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

    • Dem Bosain@midwest.socialEnglish
      15·
      8 hours ago

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

  • SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    102·
    8 hours 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?