The South Korean intelligence agency has reported that North Korea has deployed troops to fight in Ukraine, with the troops being sent to support Russian forces. This has raised concerns internationally, with France expressing worry over the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. If confirmed, this troop deployment would bring a third country into the war and escalate tensions between North Korea and the West. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Seoul stated that Russian navy ships transferred 1,500 North Korean special operations forces to Vladivostok, with more troops expected to be sent soon. These North Korean soldiers have been given Russian military uniforms, weapons, and forged identification documents, and are currently staying at military bases in Russia before being deployed to battle grounds. Photos posted by the NIS show Russian navy ship movements near a North Korean port and suspected North Korean gatherings in Russian cities.
Reports from South Korean media, based on NIS information, suggest that North Korea has decided to dispatch a total of 12,000 troops to Russia, organized into four brigades. However, the NIS has stated that it cannot confirm these reports due to past inaccuracies in tracking developments in North Korea. If verified, this would be North Korea’s first significant participation in a foreign war. Russia has denied using North Korean troops in the conflict, labeling the claims as “fake news.” The deepening cooperation between North Korea and Russia has been evident in recent years, with accusations of North Korea supplying conventional arms to Russia in exchange for economic and military assistance. A mutual military assistance pact was signed between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two countries.
Despite the potential benefit of military technology provided by Russia to North Korea, experts question the value of the North Korean troop dispatch in aiding Russia due to North Korea’s outdated equipment and lack of battle experience. There are concerns that North Korea’s diplomatic relations with European countries could be sacrificed for the foreseeable future as a result of this deployment. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies, highlights the possible threat to South Korea’s security if significant military technology is exchanged between Russia and North Korea. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that reports of North Korean troops actively being engaged in the war cannot be confirmed at this time but may change in the future. This situation has the potential to further escalate tensions and raise questions about the extent of North Korea’s involvement in foreign conflicts moving forward.
