North Korea May Deploy Additional Troops to Russia by July or August, Continues Supplying Arms Amid New Russian Offensive

South Korean intelligence has indicated that North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia as early as July or August to support Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. This assessment was shared with South Korean lawmakers during a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service. The intelligence suggests that Russia could be preparing for a new offensive in Ukraine within the next two months, potentially supported by an influx of North Korean military personnel. Reports indicate that Pyongyang has already begun recruiting soldiers for deployment to Russia and continues to supply artillery shells to Moscow.

In exchange, Russia is believed to be providing North Korea with technical assistance related to satellite launches and missile guidance systems. Ukrainian sources claim that North Korea has already deployed approximately 11,000 troops to Russia. Additionally, there are indications that North Korea plans to send not only combat troops but also around 1,000 engineers and 5,000 construction workers to Russia. The developments underscore the ongoing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.