Russia Allegedly Deploying North Korean Mercenaries Using Civilian-Plated Trucks, Says Ukraine

KYIV: Russia is reportedly using civilian-plated trucks to transport North Korean "mercenaries" to frontline areas in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to Ukraine's military intelligence service. The announcement raises concerns about North Korean involvement in the conflict. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported that Russian police officers intercepted a truck marked with civilian license plates on the Kursk-Voronezh highway. The vehicle was carrying North Korean military personnel, and the driver was found to be lacking a combat order. This incident comes amid increasing reports of North Korean troops assembling in Russia's southwestern region of Kursk, a location that experienced a significant Ukrainian incursion in August. Last week, South Korea's intelligence agency claimed that 3,000 North Koreans have already been dispatched to Russia, with expectations that this number will rise to 10,000 by December. The United States has also corroborated reports that at least 3,000 North Korean individuals have been sent to eastern Russia within this month. In response to the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, South Korea has announced plans for "phased measures." President Yoon Suk Yeol indicated that South Korea might consider supplying arms to Ukraine, signaling a potential shift from its current policy of providing solely humanitarian aid.