North Korea Deploys Troops to Assist Russia in Ukraine Conflict: South Korean Intelligence Reports

SEOUL: South Korea's intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), confirmed on Friday that North Korea has decided to send approximately 10,000 troops to assist Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in Pyongyang's involvement in the conflict. According to Yonhap News Agency, the revelation follows an emergency security meeting called by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was prompted by increasing rumors of North Korea's military support to Russia. The NIS disclosed that the initial deployment of North Korean troops began between October 8 and 13, involving the transportation of about 1,500 special forces using Russian naval assets. These forces, sourced from regions near Chongjin, Hamhung, and Musudan, were moved to Vladivostok aboard four amphibious landing ships and three escort vessels. The NIS expects another phase of troop movements to follow shortly, with a total of 12,000 troops projected to be deployed, including members from North Kor ea's elite military units. Upon arrival in Russia, these troops have been stationed in various locations across the Far East, such as Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk, and Blagoveshchensk. They have been integrated with Russian military units and provided with Russian uniforms and weapons, as well as fake identifications to disguise their origins and facilitate their blending in as part of the Russian forces. The agency also noted that these troops are currently undergoing adaptation training before their deployment to the front lines. This development not only underscores the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang but also follows a recent partnership treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The international community, including NATO and the European Union, has expressed concerns over this development. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for further confirmation of these reports, despite being in close contact with the Republic of Korea and other partners. The EU has also indicated its readiness to respond, including imposing additional sanctions, if these developments are substantiated.