North Korea has reportedly sent 1,500 special forces troops to Russia to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine, with plans to potentially send a total of 12,000 soldiers. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea released satellite images showing the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. This move has raised concerns in Seoul, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol calling it a significant security threat to both the country and the international community.
The NIS disclosed that North Korea transported its special forces to Russia via a Russian Navy transport ship, with the troops currently stationed in military bases across Russia’s Far East. The soldiers have been issued Russian military uniforms and weapons to disguise their identity as North Korean troops. The spy agency also mentioned that more troops are expected to be sent to Russia soon, with a second transport operation anticipated to take place in the future.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June and the subsequent signing of a mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea has fueled speculation about further arms transfers between the two countries. South Korea’s NIS reported that North Korea has provided Russia with a significant amount of artillery shells, missiles, anti-tank rockets, and other lethal weapons since last August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that intelligence reports indicated North Korea was training 10,000 soldiers to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Reports surfaced earlier this month that six North Korean military officers were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack near Donetsk on Oct. 3, indicating the presence of North Korean troops in the conflict zone. South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun stated that it was highly likely the report was true. Experts have suggested that North Korea’s shift from supplying weapons to sending troops is a strategic move to gain real-world combat experience and diversify soldiers’ training. The training and deployment of soldiers to Russia could signify North Korea’s efforts to provide its troops with war-time experience.
The involvement of North Korean troops in Russia’s war against Ukraine has raised concerns about the impact of the conflict on the region and beyond. South Korea has expressed alarm over the significant security threat posed by North Korea’s military participation in support of Moscow. The deployment of special forces troops to Russia and their potential involvement in the front lines of the conflict highlights the complexities and implications of Pyongyang’s alliance with Moscow in the ongoing war.
As North Korea continues to support Russia in its fight against Ukraine, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and assessing the potential consequences of North Korean military involvement. The training and deployment of North Korean troops to Russia could have far-reaching implications on the conflict dynamics and regional stability. South Korea and other nations are closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the appropriate response to address the security challenges posed by North Korea’s military support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
