In a significant development regarding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, a South Korean defense ministry official has stated that North Korea has supplied Russia with 200 pieces of long-range artillery. This announcement, reported by AFP, highlights the growing military alliance between the two nations in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The official elaborated on the extent of North Korea’s military assistance to Russia, revealing that Pyongyang has provided a total of approximately 11,000 troops, missiles, and a significant amount of ammunition, alongside the long-range artillery. Furthermore, the official indicated that North Korea may continue to supply additional troops, weapons, and ammunition in the future, suggesting an ongoing commitment to support Russia amidst its military endeavors.
In recent months, Seoul, Kyiv, and Washington have all echoed suspicions that North Korea dispatched over 10,000 troops to Russia last year to bolster Russian forces fighting in Ukraine. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang have yet to officially confirm the details of these deployments or the extent of military cooperation between the two countries.
The deepening ties were further solidified when Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to North Korea last year, during which the two countries signed an agreement that included a mutual defense clause. This agreement underscored the strategic partnership as both nations face increased isolation from the international community.
Adding another layer to the complexities of the situation, South Korea’s intelligence agency recently reported that North Korean soldiers who had been deployed to support Russian forces on the Kursk frontline have not been actively engaged in combat since mid-January. This raises questions about the current role of North Korean troops within the Russian military framework and the dynamics of their involvement in the ongoing conflict.
The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia continues to draw scrutiny from various global stakeholders, as the repercussions of their alliance could potentially reshape the security landscape in the region and beyond.
