North Korea intensifies support for Russia with troops and arms
North Korea has sent at least 3,000 additional soldiers to Russia to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This information was confirmed by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
North Korea has significantly increased its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine by sending at least 3,000 additional soldiers to Russia at the start of the year. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Pyongyang is not only providing soldiers but also military equipment, including missiles and artillery.
In the latest JCS report, it was highlighted that of the roughly 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia, 4,000 have been injured or killed. In January and February of this year, an additional 3,000 soldiers were sent.
The Polish Press Agency reports that in addition to soldiers, North Korea is supplying Russia with a significant amount of military equipment. The supplies include short-range ballistic missiles, about 220 self-propelled howitzers with a calibre of 170 millimetres, and rocket launchers with a calibre of 240 millimetres.
Training of soldiers in the Far East
Ju Hong Won, a deputy from the South Korean People's Power Party, revealed that, according to Ukrainian military intelligence, 3,500 more soldiers from North Korea are being trained in five military centres in Russia's Far East. However, it is not clear whether they will be sent to the front.
Regarding North Korea's policy towards the USA, the JCS assessed that the regime in Pyongyang is focused on increasing its bargaining power by boasting about its nuclear capabilities and condemning joint South Korean and US exercises.
The South Korean military report emerged after a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian security official Sergei Shoigu. During the meeting, Kim expressed unwavering support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the mutual defence treaty signed last year.
