South Korea's intelligence estimates that North Korea has redeployed and sent new troops to assist Russian operations in Ukraine's Kursk region, with reports suggesting a minimum of 1,000 additional forces. Despite prior losses, military experts highlight the potential capabilities of these troops as the conflict escalates.
South Korea Reports Increased North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
South Korea Reports Increased North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Intelligence from South Korea indicates North Korea has sent additional troops to Russia, raising concerns about their role in the Ukraine war and highlighting the ongoing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
North Korea has reportedly increased its military presence in Russia, sending additional troops and re-deploying existing soldiers to the frontline in the western Kursk region, according to South Korea's intelligence agency. The number of new troops remains unspecified, but military sources suggest it could be at least 1,000. Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed this deployment.
Over recent months, North Korea's military commitment has drawn scrutiny due to significant losses, with Western officials estimating that around 1,000 of the 11,000 troops initially deployed have been killed. Moreover, the South Korean intelligence report claims that North Korean forces already stationed in Russia were shifted to active duty in the Kursk region following a period of dormancy at the beginning of February, coinciding with Ukrainian observations indicating their prior absence from the battleground.
Ukrainian special forces noted that North Korean troops, unprepared for modern combat, may have been especially vulnerable to drone strikes deployed by Ukraine. Nonetheless, experts warn not to underestimate North Korean soldiers, who could possess unique combat capabilities.
President Vladimir Putin's extensive military engagement in Ukraine, which began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022, has led to considerable casualties on both sides, with Ukraine sustaining high losses as well. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously reported that military casualties are approximately 45,100, while independent sources suggest the numbers could be significantly higher.
The North Korean military's involvement took shape following the deepening of ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, marked by a strategic security and defense treaty. This cooperation may further complicate the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine continues to apply pressure amid mixed battlefield outcomes.
