North Korea Deploys 10,000 Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine

SEOUL: North Korea has initiated the deployment of approximately 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, following a decision that marks a significant escalation in Pyongyang's involvement in global military affairs. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea confirmed the troop movement, which began with the transportation of special forces units to Russian territory earlier this month. According to Yonhap News Agency, the confirmation by the NIS followed an emergency security meeting led by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, prompted by increasing indications of North Korea's direct military support to Russia. The intelligence agency revealed that the initial troop deployment involved about 1,500 North Korean soldiers, transported between October 8 and 13 aboard Russian naval vessels, including four amphibious landing ships and three escort ships. These forces, drawn from regions near Chongjin, Hamhung, and Musudan, were relocated to Vladivostok. Further details provided by the NIS suggest that North Korea's commitment involves some of its most elite forces, with a total expected deployment of 12,000 troops. Currently, North Korean soldiers are stationed in several locations across Russia's Far East, including Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk, and Blagoveshchensk. These troops have been integrated with Russian military units and have been issued Russian military uniforms and weapons, along with fake identifications to disguise their origins and present them as local forces. The NIS also indicated that these troops would undergo adaptation training before being dispatched to the front lines in Ukraine. This development coincides with strengthened military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, highlighted by a recent treaty featuring a mutual defense clause signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The deployment has drawn international scrutiny, particularly as it follows reports of arms trade between Moscow and Pyongyan g, which have been criticized globally. In response to these developments, South Korea's presidential office stated that it has been closely monitoring the troop movements in coordination with its allies and will continue to take proactive measures. This situation unfolds as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that North Korean personnel are already active in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with plans for an additional deployment underway. Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russia is supplementing its forces with North Korean soldiers to offset significant troop losses amid ongoing resistance to conscription within Russia.