As the conflict in Ukraine continues to drag on, North Korea’s involvement has been escalating. In a significant development, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has officially confirmed for the first time the possibility of casualties among North Korean troops deployed to Russia.
The NIS refrained from providing further details about the specific intelligence gathered.
The NIS reports that between 10,900 and 12,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed in Russia. These forces are reportedly integrated into Russian airborne brigades and marine units, with some already engaged in combat operations.
A key development is North Korea’s expanded arms exports to Russia. In addition to shells and missiles, Pyongyang has supplied long-range artillery, including 170mm self-propelled guns and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. According to the NIS, North Korean troops are primarily tasked with providing operational training and maintenance support for equipment unfamiliar to Russian forces.
Recent international media reports claimed that 500 North Korean troops were killed when Ukrainian forces struck the Kursk region using British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles. In response, the NIS stated that they have received specific intelligence suggesting North Korean casualties and are closely monitoring the situation.
On Wednesday, the NIS noted that North Korea might consider deploying additional troops at Russia’s request. Speculation is also mounting about a potential follow-up visit to Russia by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
As North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict deepens, it remains critical to observe how this development might influence the course of the war and what reactions it could prompt from the international community.
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