North Korea Increases Military Support to Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

North Korea has sent 3,500 additional soldiers to Russia for military training, with discussions suggesting the possibility of a third troop deployment for support in Ukraine. South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon revealed these updates following intelligence gathered during a visit to Kyiv, where he noted casualties and troop capabilities.

North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,500 soldiers to Russia’s Far East for training at five military facilities. According to South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon, this troop movement may mark the potential for a third wave of North Korean support for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. Rep. Yu based his statements on intelligence received from Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief during his recent visit to Kyiv.

Yu highlighted that around 1,500 North Korean troops from a previous deployment have already reached the front lines to assist Russian operations in Ukraine. This second batch of soldiers is reportedly stationed near the Kursk region following their completion of tactical adaptation training. North Korea has sent a total of approximately 11,000 troops to Russia since October of the previous year, with more forces deployed between January and February.

Moreover, intelligence indicates that around 400 North Korean soldiers have been killed, with an additional 3,600 sustaining injuries; of those, 300 have reportedly returned to active duty. Ukrainian assessments estimate a combined fighting force of 63,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area, with some units composed exclusively of North Koreans. Observations have noted North Korean troops attempting to contact Russian soldiers, hinting at a need for resources and information.

Yu also cited evaluations from Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, which suggest that five North Korean soldiers possess combat capabilities equivalent to that of ten Russian soldiers, citing their endurance and fearlessness as significant attributes. There are ongoing reports of more North Korean troops being prepared for deployment.

In discussions concerning North Korean military casualties, Yu cited estimates of approximately 4,000, contrasting with South Korean figures of 3,600, with about ten percent presumed fatal. Discrepancies arose regarding the number of captured soldiers, as Ukrainian sources stated that many of the injured may have taken extreme measures rather than surrender. An audio clip of a captured North Korean soldier disclosed the intense training regimen endured by troops, including extensive physical conditioning.

In summary, North Korea’s military engagement with Russia continues to evolve, with a recent deployment of 3,500 soldiers for training and anticipated further dispatches to support military operations in Ukraine. The South Korean lawmaker’s insights into troop movements and combat capabilities highlight ongoing concerns surrounding North Korean forces’ involvement in the conflict. Casualty figures reveal a high price for North Korean troops amidst the ongoing war effort.

Original Source: news.az