Recent reports have confirmed that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has dispatched troops to Russia, a move that has raised concerns among global defense officials. The Pentagon, through Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, acknowledged the troop movement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation if North Korean forces were to be deployed to Ukraine.
According to South Korean intelligence sources, approximately 3,000 troops have been sent to Russia for training on various military equipment, including drones. While the exact purpose of this deployment remains unclear, Defense Secretary Austin highlighted the need to monitor the situation closely.
Both South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence agencies had previously alerted authorities about the transfer of North Korean troops to Russia, a claim that has been denied by both Russia and North Korea.
South Korean National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong revealed plans for North Korea to deploy a total of 10,000 troops to Russia by December, aligning with reports from Ukrainian intelligence. As of now, 3,000 troops have completed the journey but have not been engaged in combat operations.
In response to these developments, South Korea is considering sending weapons to Ukraine in a phased approach based on the level of cooperation between Russia and North Korea. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed concerns over the potential escalation if North Korean troops were to join Russian forces in Ukraine.
The increased collaboration between North Korea and Russia in recent years has drawn scrutiny from the United States, South Korea, and their allies. Accusations have been made regarding North Korea's provision of military support to Russia in exchange for economic and military assistance. A mutual military assistance pact was signed between Kim Jong-Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, outlining support in the event of an attack on either country.
