South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has revealed that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been integrated into local airborne brigades and marine units, with some actively participating in combat operations. This development comes amid increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly in light of North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The NIS hinted that significant discussions likely took place during this meeting and suggested that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could visit Russia in the near future.
According to reports from the South Korean National Assembly on Thursday, the NIS provided this intelligence during a full meeting of the Intelligence Committee held the previous day to review the upcoming year’s budget proposal. This information was shared by lawmakers Lee Seong Kwon of the People Power Party and Park Sun Won of the Democratic Party, who serve as committee liaisons.
Concerning the status of the deployed North Korean troops, the NIS stated, “We have identified that over 11,000 soldiers completed local adaptation training in northeastern Russia and were subsequently redeployed to Kursk in late October.” The agency further analyzed that the soldiers stationed at the Kursk front are currently assigned to Russian airborne brigades and marine units, undergoing tactical and anti-drone training, with some already engaged in active combat roles.
The NIS added, “As North Korean troops have begun participating in frontline combat, we anticipate casualties. We are assessing the specific operational circumstances and the scale of potential losses.” However, regarding media reports of North Korean troop desertions or casualties, they noted, “As there are many conflicting reports, we are working to verify the accuracy of this information.”
The NIS also confirmed ongoing trends in North Korea’s military equipment exports. They reported, “North Korea has expanded its exports to include long-range artillery systems, such as 170mm self-propelled guns and 240mm multiple rocket launchers, in addition to the previously reported shells and missiles.”
Regarding Choe’s meeting with Putin on November 4, the NIS assessed that “substantial and sensitive discussions likely took place,” indicating that it was not merely a ceremonial meeting. The agency also cautiously suggested the possibility of Kim Jong Un visiting Russia in the future. As Rep. Park relayed, they assured lawmakers that they would “closely monitor any potential transfers of weapons, equipment, or technology from Russia to North Korea. “
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