North Korean Troops Deployed to Ukraine Battlefield: South Korean Intelligence
Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed on Wednesday that North Korean troopsdeployed to Russia have been deployed to the Ukraine battlefield. This confirmation comes after reports from multiple sources, including the US State Department, indicated the presence of North Koreansoldiers in the Kursk region of Russia.
The NIS stated that the North Korean troops were deployed to the Kursk region approximately two weeks ago and are currentlyengaged in combat alongside Russian forces. The agency is actively gathering and analyzing intelligence related to this deployment.
The news of North Korean involvement in the Ukraine conflict has sparked concerns in Seoul, particularly regarding the potential impact on South Korea’s ongoing militaryaid to Ukraine. While the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and will adjust their policy accordingly, the confirmation of North Korean troops on the battlefield raises serious implications for the region.
The US State Departmentpreviously confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops in the Kursk region, with Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel stating that they have begun fighting alongside Russian forces. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later corroborated this information.
South Korea’s Ministry of Defense and Foreign Affairs initially remained cautious regarding the reports, expressing their close monitoring of thesituation. However, the NIS confirmation has solidified the presence of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict.
This development underscores the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. While North Korea has officially denied any involvement in the conflict, the confirmation of troops on the battlefield raisesquestions about the extent of their cooperation with Russia and the potential impact on regional security.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, November 13). 详讯：韩情报机构称朝军已投入俄乌战场. Retrieved from https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20241113093300004
- US Department of State.(2024, November 12). Press Briefing. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/briefings/
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