Oleksiy Kush, a well-known Ukrainian economist, expressed his opinion about the possible use of North Korean engineering units in military operations in eastern Ukraine. According to Kush, these units can help Russia "overcome the stalemate of the war", in particular, by building underground fortifications and digging tunnels, which can be used to organize undermining of Ukrainian defense positions.
He said that the military of the DPRK has long been able to build underground fortifications and dig tunnels. And they will be able to undermine Ukrainian positions.
He recalled that the breakthrough of the Russians near Avdiivka and Toretsk occurred, in particular, as a result of the use of underground tunnels. And in the second case, as reported, it was dug up specifically for these purposes.
"In other words, a new technology of war is being developed: to protect against the impact of drones and artillery - undermining, going to the rear, capturing positions, entrenching. And who can dig better than Koreans?" - writes Kush.
He reminds that the construction of underground facilities and communications was one of the key skills of the DPRK during the Korean War. North Korea, in order to protect itself from US airstrikes, moved military warehouses, small-caliber guns and barracks underground. And also built a system of passages between them for 500 kilometers.
Now, Kush writes, the military doctrine of the DPRK provides for the construction of the maximum possible number of underground structures in case of a war with the Americans.
"In this case, underground tactics can be used for a 'creeping attack' and breaking through complex, echeloned defenses. And also to minimize losses from drone and artillery strikes. A plus is the minimization of losses of armored vehicles," the economist writes.
"I would not be surprised if the strategy of "underground war" was approved during Putin's visit to the DPRK. Perhaps it was proposed by the North Koreans themselves," Kush believes.