Recent footage has emerged showing North Korean soldiers receiving uniforms and equipment at a training ground in Russia's far east, indicating a potential deployment to Ukraine. South Korea's National Intelligence Service had previously reported that 1,500 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia for military training.
The soldiers are believed to be undergoing training before being dispatched to the front lines in Ukraine, signaling a strengthening relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. In a video shared by the Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security, North Korean troops can be seen queuing to receive their uniforms, with discussions in Korean language.
Upon their arrival in Russia, the recruits were asked to provide sizing information for hats, headgear, uniforms, and shoes through a questionnaire written in Russian and Korean. Additional footage showed troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground near the Russia-China border, with a Russian speaker mentioning the presence of numerous reinforcements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns about North Korea's potential involvement in Russia's conflict in Ukraine, stating that thousands of North Korean troops could be deployed. Reports suggest that a total of 12,000 troops may be sent by North Korea, although this figure was not confirmed by the national intelligence service.
This move could mark North Korea's significant intervention in an international conflict, leveraging its large military force despite lacking combat experience. While accusations of arms supply from Pyongyang to Moscow have been denied by both countries, evidence suggests otherwise.
Russia and North Korea, both facing Western isolation, have deepened their ties since Russia's invasion. A defense pact between the two nations includes mutual military assistance in case of an attack, as highlighted during Putin's visit to North Korea where ties were elevated to a 'new level.'
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, emphasizing solidarity with Moscow's efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial stability. The evolving alliance between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about their joint military activities and potential impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
