Reports from South Korea’s spy agency suggest that North Korea has sent troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine, potentially escalating the conflict and increasing tensions with the West. The National Intelligence Service claimed that 1,500 North Korean special forces were transferred to Vladivostok, with more expected to follow soon. These troops have been equipped with Russian military gear and are undergoing training in various Russian military bases.
While the exact number of troops sent is uncertain, this move marks North Korea’s first major participation in a foreign war since the Korean War. This development has raised concerns among NATO and the Pentagon, although Russia denies using North Korean troops. Experts speculate that North Korea may receive advanced military technology from Russia in exchange for their support.
The dispatch of North Korean troops has significant implications for regional security, including potential threats to South Korea. The situation has prompted an emergency security meeting in South Korea, highlighting the gravity of the situation. These developments also raise fears of a broader conflict, as Ukraine claims North Korea is preparing 10,000 soldiers for potential deployment.
Overall, the involvement of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine war has broader geopolitical implications and underscores the complexity of international relations in today’s volatile landscape.
Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.
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