North Korea Sends 3,000 More Soldiers to Russia as Military Ties Deepen
North Korea has reportedly deployed at least 3,000 additional soldiers to Russia in early 2024, reinforcing its support for Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. South Korea’s military disclosed the information on Thursday, underscoring Pyongyang’s growing involvement in the conflict despite global calls for a resolution.
The reinforcements, sent in January and February, add to the approximately 11,000 North Korean troops already in Russia, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. Of these, around 4,000 have been killed or wounded in combat.
North Korea has also supplied Russia with a significant cache of weaponry, including:
- Short-range ballistic missiles
- 220 units of 170mm self-propelled howitzers
- 240mm multiple rocket launchers
Seoul warns that Pyongyang’s military contributions may continue to rise depending on the situation on the battlefield.
While North Korea strengthens its military ties with Russia, diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region are ongoing. European leaders and allies convened in Paris on Thursday to discuss aid for Ukraine and long-term stability. Meanwhile, recent talks in Saudi Arabia saw both Russia and Ukraine agree to a temporary halt on attacks in the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. However, Moscow has conditioned any broader ceasefire on the lifting of sanctions against its banking and export sectors.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have significantly bolstered their military alliance. Last year, both nations signed a landmark defense pact, pledging to provide immediate military aid if either country is attacked.
In a recent visit to Pyongyang, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed Putin’s warmest regards, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to fulfilling agreements made with North Korea.
U.S. officials have warned that Russia might soon share advanced space and satellite technology with North Korea in return for its military support. South Korean officials echo these concerns, fearing that such cooperation could enhance Pyongyang’s capabilities.
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This week, Kim Jong Un personally oversaw tests of new AI-powered attack drones, which North Korea claims will be further developed in line with modern warfare trends. South Korea’s military believes these drones could incorporate Russian technology.
Since November, North Korean troops have been deployed in the Russian region of Kursk to repel Ukrainian incursions. However, due to severe casualties, many withdrew in January. Ukrainian officials estimate that as of late February, approximately 400 North Korean soldiers had died, with another 3,600 wounded.
Reports also indicate that North Korean soldiers have employed near-suicidal tactics, such as detonating grenades rather than surrendering. Some have even written pledges of allegiance to Kim Jong Un on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Russia has launched North Korean-made missiles at Ukraine, and thousands of North Korean shipping containers filled with munitions have been sent to Russia.
Despite the military focus, North Korea and Russia are also strengthening their humanitarian and economic ties. According to Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora:
- North Korea has treated hundreds of wounded Russian soldiers
- Russia supplies North Korea with coal, food, and medicine
- Children of Russian troops killed in Ukraine vacationed in North Korea last summer
- Student exchange programs between both nations are being developed
Drones have become a crucial weapon in the Ukraine war. Russia’s drone attacks on Ukraine surged from 379 in May 2024 to nearly 2,500 in November. Late Wednesday, Russian forces launched a massive drone strike on Kharkiv, injuring at least nine civilians and damaging infrastructure.
Amid continued military aggression, world leaders are pushing for an end to the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Newsmax, suggested that Russia may want to end the war but could be “dragging their feet.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest Russian attacks, stating, “No country should have to go through this.”
With North Korea’s deepening involvement in the war and growing ties with Russia, the conflict remains as complex as ever, raising concerns about broader regional and global security implications.
Source: CNN – North Korea has sent 3,000 more soldiers to bolster Russia’s war on Ukraine, South Korea says
