"But why does he have to work with this machine gun he finds too heavy and uncomfortable? It seems that Russia is facing a serious equipment shortage. One needs to understand that all of those failed assault missions you see online cost Russia not only troops and armoured equipment, but also light weapons. It would be hard to imagine that Russia is running out of PKMs. However, they may want to save them for a later date. Meanwhile, North Korea is not too keen on the Type 73 either so this is an opportunity for them to clear their warehouses and prepare them for something they may get in return from Russia.
As for the preferences of Russian soldiers the simple fact remains true – their opinions simply do not matter much if at all."