Seoul: N. Korea sends troops to Russia amidst Ukraine conflict

In a recent announcement coming from Seoul, it has been highlighted that North Korea might have increased its military presence in Russia. This decision follows the significant casualties previously sustained by North Korean soldiers on the Russia-Ukraine battlefields. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has disclosed that they are currently working to ascertain the precise number of military personnel sent by North Korea.

Reports indicate that North Korean troops were repositioned to areas in Russia’s Kursk region at the beginning of February, after temporarily withdrawing earlier. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this movement in a February 7 address, indicating that North Korean forces were joining Russian military efforts during Ukraine’s new offensive in Kursk.

In recent times, North Korea has played a substantial role in supporting Russia, reportedly by dispatching a significant amount of conventional weaponry along with about 10,000 to 12,000 troops last fall. Despite their rigorous training, these troops reportedly have been vulnerable in the conflict zones due to limited combat experience and unfamiliarity with the local conditions, making them susceptible to drone and artillery attacks.

The situation on the ground has been dire, with a January report from the NIS stating that around 300 North Korean soldiers have died, and 2,700 have sustained injuries. President Zelenskyy has provided higher figures, estimating about 4,000 North Korean casualties, whereas U.S. figures are more conservative, suggesting the number is closer to 1,200.

A report from South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, based on anonymous sources, cited that between 1,000 and 3,000 additional North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk during January and February. This increased deployment raises concerns among countries like South Korea and the United States, who fear that North Korea could be rewarded with advanced weapons technology from Russia, potentially elevating its nuclear weapons capabilities. Additionally, North Korea stands to gain economic and other forms of aid from Russia.

In a related development, Russia and the United States have engaged in discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and further developing diplomatic and economic relationships. Notably, Ukrainian representatives were not present at these discussions, indicating a marked shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, deviating from earlier strategies designed to isolate Russia.

Observers highlight the potential for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to send additional forces to Russia as the war continues, potentially securing greater support from Russia before the conflict reaches a conclusion.