Kehinde Fajobi
South Korea’s intelligence agency has reported that North Korea has begun deploying troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, calling the move a “grave security threat.”
According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), 1,500 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in Russia, with the final number possibly reaching 12,000.
This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that intelligence suggests up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers could join the conflict.
In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened a security meeting, urging the international community to respond swiftly with “all available means.”
The NIS also reported that North Korean troops are currently training at Russian bases in Vladivostok and Ussuriysk.
Additionally, North Korea has allegedly supplied Russia with ammunition, shipping 13,000 containers of shells, missiles, and anti-armour rockets since August.
Despite the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, military experts are sceptical about the immediate impact of North Korean forces on the front lines.
“They may guard border areas, freeing Russian troops for active combat, but their lack of combat experience and the language barrier make it unlikely they will be deployed in direct fighting,” said Valeriy Ryabykh, editor of Defence Express.
Tensions have heightened as Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deepen their cooperation, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “closest comrade” during Putin’s birthday celebrations.