Recent reports suggest that Russia is not only deploying combat drones from China and Iran but is also utilizing North Korean soldiers and potentially ballistic missiles from Pyongyang in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, Yemeni fighters are reportedly being recruited to support Russian military efforts.
The Financial Times has published an article detailing how the Houthi militia is allegedly recruiting men in Yemen to serve in the Russian Army. The report claims that hundreds of Yemeni mercenaries have been enlisted through questionable human trafficking practices, with promises of paid work and Russian citizenship.
Upon arrival in Russia, these recruits are allegedly integrated into the armed forces and sent directly to the front lines in Ukraine. The recruitment effort is reportedly organized by a company founded by a prominent Houthi politician, with contracts indicating that recruitment began in July.
The German Foreign Ministry has expressed significant concern over these developments, stating that if true, it would be extremely troubling. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also warned of a serious and real danger of a potential global conflict.
Valeri Salushni, former chief of the Ukrainian armed forces and current ambassador to the UK, has suggested that a third world war may have already commenced, given the involvement of multiple nations in the conflict.
Estimates indicate that Russia has suffered approximately 700,000 military casualties in the Ukraine war, prompting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to send around 12,000 soldiers to Russia, primarily for deployment in the Kursk region.
The discussions regarding Yemeni fighters in Ukraine coincided with a G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Italy, where German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that confirmation of these reports would further illustrate the limitless nature of President Putin's war.
Experts in Germany have noted that Russia has long faced severe resource shortages, both in terms of material and personnel, necessitating high incentives to mobilize soldiers. The close collaboration between Putin and groups like Hamas and the Houthis, both backed by Iran, has raised alarms about the recruitment of Yemeni fighters under false pretenses.
German politicians continue to warn against the escalation of the conflict, both militarily and in terms of personnel and financial support. Germany, alongside the United States, remains a staunch supporter of Ukraine. However, uncertainty looms regarding the U.S. role in the conflict with the impending leadership change.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz aims to position himself as the 'Chancellor of Peace' ahead of the February 2025 elections, despite intense calls from Kyiv for advanced missile systems, which he has declined to provide. Recent polling indicates that 61% of Germans oppose supplying the Taurus missile system to Ukraine.