Why Russian soldiers are using expletives and calling North Korean troops ‘Chinese’

Newly intercepted audio recordings expose the frustrations of Russian soldiers regarding the recent deployment of North Korean troops to the ongoing Ukraine war. The Russian soldiers, who have nicknamed their new allies “the Chinese,” use expletives and voice concerns over logistical and cultural challenges within the joint Russo-North Korean military operation, a South China Morning Post report said.
Dismissive language and skepticism over ‘K Battalion’
The North Korean troops, known as the “K Battalion,” arrived to fight in the Ukraine war as part of an evolving military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. However, intercepted messages reveal Russian soldiers expressing disbelief about their new comrades’ presence. One soldier from Russia’s 810th Separate Marine Brigade remarked on a fellow serviceman’s confusion, saying, “He’s just standing there with his eyes wide open” while attempting to greet the North Korean forces, the SCMP report added.
Another soldier commented on logistical difficulties, questioning the practicality of “one translator for 30 people” and wondering, “where to get three senior personnel for 30 people.” This level of frustration hints at a deeper issue: Russian troops may not see their new North Korean allies as equal or capable partners in combat.
Language barriers and logistical concerns
The deployment’s language barrier has been a major sticking point for the Russian soldiers. “They’re already here learning with a translator,” one soldier noted, suggesting that limited interpretation resources could impede the North Koreans’ ability to integrate effectively. According to reports, each group of North Korean troops has been assigned only one translator, along with three Russian personnel, to manage their integration, creating further frustration among Russian troops.
This shortage of interpreters has also drawn criticism from military experts, who warn that it could force North Korean units to operate independently rather than alongside Russian forces. Kim Dong-seong, a former North Korean special forces soldier, pointed out that these communication gaps might limit the success of joint operations.
Terrain challenges for North Korean troops
Beyond language, the unfamiliar landscape poses another challenge for the North Korean troops, who are more accustomed to mountainous regions. In the flat plains of Ukraine, particularly around the Kursk region, North Korean forces might struggle to adapt. Kim noted that North Korean forces are specifically trained for mountainous terrain, and the difference could impact their effectiveness.
Still, some North Korean military officials remain optimistic. Kang Ri-hyuk, a former North Korean officer, downplayed the language issues, noting that Russian is widely taught in North Korean schools. He expressed confidence that these troops would adapt, praising their exceptional training and loyalty to leader Kim Jong-un.
Geopolitical tensions escalate
Meanwhile, the North Korean deployment has raised significant geopolitical concerns, with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte describing it as a “significant escalation” in the Ukraine conflict. The alliance between Russia and North Korea has caught the attention of Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who called the move “dangerous.”
South Korea views the alliance as a direct threat and is now reconsidering its reluctance to supply weapons directly to Ukraine, a move it had avoided due to domestic policy constraints. President Yoon Suk Yeol warned of a “significant security threat to the international community” due to this alliance, suggesting that Seoul may soon take countermeasures.
US military response
The Pentagon has clarified that it will not restrict Kyiv from using American weapons against North Korean troops if they are deployed to Ukrainian front lines. US defense secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to meet with his South Korean counterparts to discuss the broader implications of North Korea’s involvement.
(With inputs from agencies)