North Korea Sends 12,000 Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine Conflict

SEOUL: North Korea has decided to dispatch approximately 12,000 soldiers, including special forces, to support Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). This deployment marks a significant escalation in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, extending beyond their existing arms trade agreements. According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision was revealed after an emergency security meeting convened by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, prompted by increasing speculation about North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The NIS reported that the mobilization of North Korean troops has already commenced. This development could potentially alter the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been engaged since early 2021. The South Korean presidential office confirmed that the country, in coordination with its allies, has been closely monitoring North Korea's troop movements towards Russia and will continue to assess the situation proactively. This deployment is part of a broader trend of strengthening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, which includes a mutual defense clause signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a recent treaty. Further reports from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that North Korean personnel have already been spotted in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. An additional 10,000 troops are reportedly being prepared to be sent to the region, as Russia seeks to bolster its forces amidst significant troop losses and widespread draft evasion among its youth. This strategic military partnership between North Korea and Russia raises significant concerns internationally, as it represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape and could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the region.