Additional Coverage:
North Korea Deploys Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine
South Korea’s intelligence agency has confirmed that North Korea has deployed troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. This move has raised concerns about a “grave security threat” for the region.
President Yoon Suk Yeol convened a security meeting on Friday, emphasizing the need for an international response. According to the intelligence agency, 1,500 troops have already arrived in Russia, with estimates suggesting a final figure of up to 12,000.
This deployment follows evidence of North Korea supplying Russia with ammunition, including a missile recovered in Ukraine. Additionally, Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their cooperation, with Kim Jong Un referring to Putin as his “closest comrade.”
The intelligence agency’s allegations align with earlier claims by Ukrainian officials, who estimated that 11,000 North Korean troops were training in Russia. The troops are expected to use Russian equipment and ammunition.
Experts note that incorporating North Korean troops into Russian units poses challenges due to language barriers and lack of combat experience. They speculate that the troops could guard sections of the Russian-Ukrainian border, freeing up Russian forces for other operations.