Not just money. Independent explored why North Korean soldiers are eager to travel to Russia.

The isolation of North Korea from the world may influence the willingness of North Koreans to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine. Soldiers from the DPRK might be eager to see other countries.

This is reported by RBK-Ukraine citing The Independent.

According to the publication, North Koreans could perceive the opportunity to go and fight in Ukraine as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The compensation they would receive for assisting Russia might also be enticing.

Specifically, North Korean soldiers may not be as unhappy as they are often depicted. Former comrades suggest that they may proudly view their Russian deployment as a rare opportunity to earn good money or as a chance to see a foreign country for the first time and to gain privileges for their families.

"Despite the gradual economic recovery of North Korea over the past 30 years, defectors say that the average monthly salary of ordinary North Korean workers and soldiers is less than 1 dollar," writes The Independent.

According to media reports, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin promises $2,000 each month to every DPRK soldier. However, it is likely that 90% of this amount will go to the North Korean treasury. Nevertheless, serving in Russia could bring a North Korean soldier between $1,200 and $2,400. They are willing to take this risk for such compensation.

Additionally, a trip to Russia could lead to better housing or admission to prestigious universities in North Korea, or even relocation from less desirable areas to Pyongyang. Currently, moving from one province to another requires government permission.

DPRK Soldiers in Russia

According to American and European officials, North Korea has recently sent a certain number of military personnel to Russia to support its efforts in eastern Ukraine. It is known that some of them have already been moved closer to the Ukrainian border, where they have been identified in Russian military uniforms and with Russian equipment.

This move by North Korea, according to Western experts, is seen as a way to increase support for Russia in the war and to strengthen its relations with Moscow by providing military assistance in defiance of international sanctions.

Recently, Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsya, stated that DPRK soldiers will begin participating in battles against Ukrainian defenders as early as November.