North Korea Dismisses Claims of Troop Deployment to Russia Amid Rising Tensions

SEOUL: North Korea has dismissed allegations of dispatching troops to support Russia in Ukraine, calling them "groundless rumors," while tensions escalate in the region with South Korea urging the immediate withdrawal of any North Korean forces reportedly in Russia. The developments have sparked a series of diplomatic exchanges and military considerations in response to the reported military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister has accused South Korea and Ukraine of provocation, comparing them to "bad dogs bred by the U.S." In response, South Korea has vowed to take "phased measures" to address the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. A South Korean source indicated that the government is contemplating sending personnel to Ukraine to monitor the alleged presence of North Korean troops. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for strengthening the nation's war deterrence, citing nuclear threats from the Unite d States. Reports from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) suggest that North Korea has sent 3,000 soldiers to Russia, with plans to deploy a total of 10,000 by December. A White House official confirmed that at least 3,000 North Korean troops have been sent to eastern Russia this month. As South Korea considers countermeasures, Russia has issued a warning against such actions. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has stated that South Korea could consider supplying arms to Ukraine, contingent on the nature of North Korea-Russia military ties. Meanwhile, North Korean leaflets criticizing President Yoon and his wife have appeared in Seoul's presidential compound, further escalating tensions. Reports indicate that the first unit of North Korean troops has been deployed to the front lines in western Russia. Additionally, North Korea has condemned a meeting of G7 defense ministers, reflecting growing regional friction.