Civil defense youth submit petitions for deployment to Russia

Despite limited information about the deployment to Russia, North Korean civilians view it as an opportunity either to earn money or to escape the country (Image: KCNA)

The news that soldiers are being deployed to Russia has spread across North Korea, prompting a wave of petitions from military-age people in the civil defense forces requesting to be sent there as well

Sources in North Hamgyong, Ryanggang, and North Pyongan provinces tell us that, despite strict secrecy around the deployments, information has leaked nationwide via soldiers’ families. 

As puzzling as it may be, there is logic behind civilian interest in being sent to Russia. 

“The civil defense force people aren’t volunteering out of patriotism,” said Heo, who served in the 51st Sniper Brigade of the 11th Storm Corps before his defection to South Korea. “Most of them have already gained everything they could from military service, such as party membership and university diplomas.” 

The primary motives are money and the possibility of escape, Heo emphasized. “Overseas deployment is a means of survival,” he said.

Jo, a defector who fled last November while on assignment in Russia, separately offered the same explanation. “The reason discharged soldiers want to return to the military is either to earn money or because they see it as an opportunity to escape.”

The petitions have sparked widespread debate and concern among North Koreans, with the primary worry being safety. Families of the deployed troops have repeatedly appealed to the military for guarantees of their loved ones’ safety, but the authorities have avoided providing clear answers. Many residents fear that deployed soldiers will be sent to the frontlines.

At the same time, economic benefits associated with deployment have become a major point of interest. Although there have been no official announcements, there are rumors that soldiers who go to Russia will be eligible for expedited Party membership (a benefit granted to revolutionaries for exceptional contributions), university diplomas and lifelong recognition as societal contributors. 

Furthermore, their families are reportedly being promised economic support, including dollar-denominated cards for accessing foreign currency stores and foreign currency deposits.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that, with North Korea’s borders tightly sealed since the onset of COVID-19, deployment to Russia is being viewed as a rare opportunity for escape. Many of those considering volunteering for deployment appear to be seeking a chance to cross the border.

Two discharged artillerymen visited the provincial Party office in Yomju County, North Pyongan province, on November 11 to request deployment to Russia. The authorities neither approved nor rejected their request, instructing them instead to await further orders. 

Sources in North Hamgyong and Ryanggang provinces have reported similar cases, highlighting the regime’s ambiguous stance—it neither fully conceals nor officially acknowledges the deployment.

The caution is due to concern as to how the Russia deployment might impact regime stability. Large-scale casualties or rising discontent among deployed soldiers could lead to internal unrest. In particular, if escape attempts increase among the people of the civil defense forces, or if these events weaken internal cohesion, the regime’s grip on power could be seriously jeopardized.

It will be interesting to see how the Russian deployment plays out in terms of political trends and social change in North Korea.

Jang Seiul
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