North Korea deploys thousands of troops to Russia for Ukraine war

KYIV/SEOUL,— South Korean lawmakers reported on Wednesday that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 troops to Russia to support its military efforts in Ukraine.

This figure, provided by the national intelligence agency, is double the previous estimates. According to officials, Pyongyang has pledged to send a total of around 10,000 soldiers, with deployment expected to be completed by December.

This update follows an announcement from Seoul’s National Intelligence Service, which revealed last Friday that North Korea had already transported around 1,500 special forces troops to Russia via maritime routes.

Park Sun-won, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, stated that “signs of troop training activities within North Korea” have been observed during September and October. He further explained that these forces are being spread across various training facilities in Russia to acclimatize to local conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also accused North Korea of gearing up to send 10,000 soldiers to Russia, urging international allies to react decisively to this emerging threat.

Despite ongoing denials from both Moscow and Pyongyang regarding arms transfers, the two nations have affirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation, formalized through a mutual defense treaty signed earlier this year.

On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, confirmed evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, stating, “There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia.” He emphasized that it remains unclear what their exact role will be, adding that this is a situation that needs further assessment.

Austin’s comments echoed concerns about the implications of North Korean involvement, labeling it a “dangerous and highly concerning development” if the reports are accurate.

North Korea has remained silent on the claims made by Seoul and Kyiv, but according to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, there have been efforts to contain information about the troop dispatch. He reported that the families of the soldiers selected for deployment experienced intense emotional distress, with authorities reportedly relocating them to limit the spread of rumors.

Additionally, Lee noted that Russian officials have recruited a “large number” of interpreters for the North Korean soldiers and are providing training on modern military equipment, including drones.

He remarked that Russian instructors have assessed that while North Korean troops possess commendable physical attributes and morale, they lack experience in contemporary combat strategies, particularly with drone technology. This discrepancy could lead to substantial casualties if these troops are engaged on the front lines.

In light of these developments, Park suggested that North Korea may be seeking to leverage Russian support for its own interests on the Korean Peninsula while simultaneously gaining economic assistance.

On Tuesday, the South Korean presidential office called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia, warning that it may contemplate supplying lethal aid to Ukraine if military collaboration between the two countries escalates.

In a separate address, President Zelensky called on allied nations not to “hide” from the reality of North Korean involvement in the ongoing conflict.

He emphasized that Ukraine possesses intelligence indicating the preparation of two units, potentially comprising up to 12,000 North Korean troops, ready to fight alongside Russian forces. Zelensky described this situation as a significant challenge, urging international partners to respond proactively.

Zelensky’s remarks highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that both North Korea and Russia disregard the human cost of the conflict. He reiterated the need for a unified global response to curtail the war’s escalation, stressing the importance of addressing North Korean military intervention as a growing threat.

British Defence Secretary John Healey also commented on the situation, indicating it is “highly likely” that North Korea has initiated the deployment of troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As this situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, weighing the implications of North Korean troops operating in Russia and the potential repercussions for global security dynamics.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)