Recent reports from South Korea's defense minister reveal that North Korean troops are now actively participating in the conflict in Ukraine alongside Russian soldiers. It is believed that six North Korean officers may have been killed in a missile strike in Donetsk last week.
The defense minister stated that the close relationship between Russia and North Korea has led to the likelihood of more North Korean soldiers being deployed to support Russian forces in the ongoing war.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been recruiting foreign fighters due to a shortage of draft-age men. South Korea has also accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for use in the conflict.
North Korea has been increasing its production and testing of artillery and cruise missiles, with Russia's support at the United Nations to end monitoring of ballistic technology violations. Ukrainian forces recently targeted an arms depot inside Russia, where weapons provided by North Korea were stored.
Additionally, Iran has reportedly been sending missiles to Russia, and Russian soldiers have been training on Iranian missile systems. A meeting between Russian President Putin and Iranian President Pezeshkian is scheduled to take place soon.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed support for Putin, referring to their military alliance as making them 'invincible' and praising Putin's leadership.
The involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict in Ukraine highlights the complex web of alliances and foreign support that have emerged in the region.
