South Korea’s intelligence agency chief has informed lawmakers that North Korea has dispatched an extra 1,500 soldiers to Russia in support of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a statement made last week, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed its confirmation regarding the deployment of 1,500 special operations forces from North Korea to Russia earlier this month.

During a private session of a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, NIS director Cho Tae-yong disclosed to members that his agency had determined the recent transfer of an additional contingent of 1,500 troops.

Lawmakers Park Sunwon and Lee Seong Kweun, who were present at the meeting, reported that Cho mentioned North Korea’s intention to send a total of 10,000 soldiers to Russia by the end of December.