Seoul and Washington claim that Pyongyang has 10,000 troops in Russia including those near the frontlines. Ukraine‘s intelligence agency claims even higher numbers including officers and generals.
According to Reuters, the South Korean defense ministry announced that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers had been deployed to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. Many of these troops were stationed near frontline areas.
Since February 2022, Russia has strengthened military ties with North Korea, securing more than 2,000,000 artillery rounds and ballistic missiles. Both countries signed a mutual defence pact in the month of June. South Korea had reported that 3,000 North Korean soldiers were training in Russia. This number is expected to increase to 10,000 by the end of December. Ukraine confirmed that initial units have arrived at the Kursk combat area.
Jeon Ha-kyou is a spokesperson of the Seoul defense ministry. He told a press conference, citing intelligence sources:
“We understand that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia. A significant number of these troops have moved to frontline areas, including Kursk.”
Reuters reported that when asked about a possible combat engagement, and South Korean media reports citing a government official who claimed up to 40 North Korean soldiers had been killed in battles, Jeon stated he did not have any information to share.
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