The South Korean intelligence agency informed lawmakers that North Korea is expected to deploy thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region, potentially as early as July or August. This information was relayed during a closed-door parliamentary committee meeting.
The planned deployment follows a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. During the meeting, Kim agreed to send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military construction workers to assist in rebuilding the war-affected area. This is in addition to existing support provided by North Korea to Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, including combat troops and ammunition.
According to the National Intelligence Service, North Korea has already begun recruiting soldiers for the deployment. The agency noted that the dispatch of combat troops last year occurred approximately one month after Shoigu's visit and the signing of an agreement with North Korean officials.
Reports indicate that North Korean and Russian soldiers collaborated to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk border region in April. While the exact number of North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia remains undisclosed, South Korea, the U.S., and Ukraine estimate that approximately 10,000-12,000 troops were sent last fall, with an additional 3,000-4,000 deployed earlier this year.
In exchange for North Korea's military support, Russia is believed to be providing military and economic assistance. Concerns have been raised by South Korea, the U.S., and their allies regarding the potential transfer of sensitive technologies that could benefit North Korea's nuclear program.
The NIS briefing revealed that Russia is believed to have provided North Korea with air defense systems, electronic jamming equipment, and technological expertise related to space rocket engines, drones, and missile guidance, along with unspecified economic aid.
5 Comments
Eric Cartman
The world is watching, and we're letting North Korea get away with violating international law. This is unacceptable!
Stan Marsh
Other countries have been supporting their friends. Russia and North Korea are no different.
Coccinella
The impact on the people of North Korea and Ukraine is devastating. Both regimes are responsible for this suffering.
Comandante
Russia is desperate. They're turning to North Korea for help. It's a sign of weakness.
Donatello
How confident is the source? This is from a South Korean agency, potentially biased information.