North Korea Mobilizes Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
In a significant escalation of military involvement, North Korea has committed to sending four brigades, totaling approximately 12,000 troops, to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. According to reports from Seoul's intelligence, the first contingent of 1,500 North Korean soldiers has already been mobilized and is currently stationed in Vladivostok, Russia. This move comes amidst growing concerns from Ukraine and its allies regarding the implications of North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised alarms about this development, stating that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared to join Russian forces on the battlefield. During a European summit, Zelensky expressed that this situation could represent a dangerous step towards a broader global conflict, referring to it as “the first step towards a world war.” He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to involve additional foreign troops due to the heavy losses faced by the Russian military and the unpopularity of mobilization at home.
Ukrainian intelligence has indicated that North Korean officers are already present in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, actively integrating with Russian military units. Western officials have acknowledged awareness of these developments but remain cautious regarding the exact numbers and the operational status of North Korean troops in Ukraine. Reports suggest that the number of North Koreans involved could range from 2,000 to 12,000, with officials leaning towards the lower end of this estimate.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has been strengthening, particularly following a mutual defense agreement signed during a rare visit by President Putin to Pyongyang in June. This alliance is further illustrated by North Korea's provision of military support, including ammunition, to Russia. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has also indicated that casualties among North Korean forces in Ukraine are likely, hinting at the potential for further troop deployments as the conflict intensifies.
