North Korea to Deploy Thousands of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine

North Korea has announced a significant troop deployment to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea revealed that 1,500 special forces personnel are already stationed in Russia’s Far East for training.

Following North Korea’s announcement, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened an emergency security meeting. The president’s office described Pyongyang’s actions as “a significant security threat not only to our country but also to the international community.”

The NIS reported that North Korea has been transporting its special forces to Russia via Russian Navy transport ships. Satellite images were released, showing the initial troop movements. This operation is considered the start of North Korea’s military involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

The initial contingent of North Korean troops has reportedly been stationed at military bases across Russia’s Far East. The NIS indicated that these special forces are expected to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine as soon as their acclimatization training is complete.

The soldiers have been issued Russian military uniforms and weapons, raising concerns that North Korea is attempting to disguise their troops as Russian forces. This tactic aims to obscure the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the ongoing conflict.

The NIS has projected that North Korea may send additional troops, estimating a total deployment of around 12,000 soldiers in support of Russia’s operations in Ukraine. More movements are likely to occur soon, further escalating the situation in the region.