North Korea May Send Additional Troops to Russia in July or August, Already Deployed 11,000 Amid Ukraine War

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. Reports suggest that Pyongyang is actively recruiting soldiers for this deployment and continues to supply artillery shells to Russia. In exchange, North Korea is believed to be receiving technical assistance from Russia on satellite launches and missile guidance systems.

Ukrainian sources claim that North Korea has already deployed approximately 11,000 military personnel to Russia. Additionally, there are indications that North Korea plans to send around 25,000 troops, including 1,000 engineers and 5,000 construction workers, to Russia. The potential troop deployment coincides with expectations of a new Russian offensive in the Ukraine conflict within the next two months.