North Korea is poised to deploy additional troops to Russia to support its ongoing military efforts in Ukraine, with this move potentially occurring as soon as July, according to a South Korean lawmaker who cited information from the nation’s intelligence agency. This news follows a recent statement by Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia’s Security Council, who indicated that North Korea would send military builders and sappers to assist in the reconstruction of the Kursk region during his visit to Pyongyang.
In comments to reporters, lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun noted that North Korea has been a significant contributor to Russia’s military operations, specifically mentioning its role in efforts to reclaim territories within Kursk. According to Lee, North Korea has already dispatched approximately 11,000 personnel in the past year and plans to send an additional 4,000 troops along with around 6,000 construction specialists to aid in rebuilding efforts.
The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has assessed that this next wave of troop deployment might take place by late summer, with indicators such as Shoigu’s prior visits to Pyongyang about a month prior to troop dispatch, as well as reports that North Korea is actively selecting personnel for the mission forming the basis of this forecast.
North Korea has emerged as a critical ally for Russia throughout the latter’s prolonged military campaign in Ukraine, providing not only thousands of soldiers but also significant quantities of weaponry. According to intelligence reports, it is estimated that North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems, transported via ships and military aircraft.
Last year, Russia and North Korea solidified their military partnership by signing a comprehensive agreement that includes a mutual defense clause, which was highlighted during Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s notable visit to the isolated nation.
Recent intelligence indicates that the cost of this alliance has been steep for North Korea, which has reportedly seen around 600 of its soldiers killed and many more wounded while engaging in combat alongside Russian forces. In a rare admission, North Korean state media confirmed the deployment of troops to Ukraine earlier this year, acknowledging combat-related fatalities.
Despite the acknowledgment of troop casualties, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has affirmed plans for targeted military collaboration with Russia, although specific details regarding such cooperation have yet to be disclosed.
