North Korea Sends 1,500 Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War: South Korean Intelligence
Seoul, South Korea – The South KoreanNational Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed on October 18 that North Korea has decided to deploy approximately 12,000 troops, including special forces, toassist Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine. The first contingent of 1,500 soldiers has already arrived in Russia.
This revelation comes as a significant escalationof the already tense geopolitical situation. North Korea’s involvement in the conflict could potentially have far-reaching consequences, both for the war itself and for regional stability.
The NIS claims that North Korea’s decision to send troops stems fromits close relationship with Russia, which has been strengthened in recent years. In June 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, deepening their bilateral ties.
TheNIS further stated that Kim Jong-sik, the vice-chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee responsible for overseeing North Korea’s missile development, has made multiple trips to the frontlines of the Russo-Ukrainian war since early August. This suggests that North Korea has been actively monitoring the conflict and preparing for potentialinvolvement.
The deployment of North Korean troops is likely to raise concerns among the international community, particularly in the United States and its allies. The potential for North Korean military personnel to be involved in combat operations could further escalate the conflict and potentially lead to a wider regional war.
The NIS’s statement has not beenindependently verified. However, if confirmed, it would represent a significant shift in North Korea’s foreign policy and a major escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Further developments and international reactions to this news are expected in the coming days.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, October 18). North Korea sends 1,500 troops to aid Russia in Ukraine war: NIS. Retrieved from [link to Yonhap News article]
Note: This article is based on the provided information and is written in a neutral and objective manner. It is important to note that theinformation provided by the NIS has not been independently verified and should be treated with caution.
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