Reports from South Korea’s spy agency reveal that North Korea has deployed an additional 1,500 troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine. This comes after previous confirmation of 1,500 special operation forces sent earlier this month.
NIS director Cho Tae-yong disclosed in a closed-door meeting with lawmakers that North Korea plans to send a total of 10,000 troops to Russia by December. This move has raised security concerns in South Korea, fearing potential rewards from Russia in the form of advanced military technologies for North Korea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously warned of intelligence suggesting 10,000 North Korean soldiers were being readied to join Russian forces. The U.S. and NATO, while not officially confirming the troop dispatch, have cautioned against the implications of such movements.
The growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including a recent major defense deal, has heightened tensions in the region. South Korean officials are particularly wary of potential enhancements to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
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