North Korea Sends 3,000 More Troops to Russia, Supplies Weapons

Seoul – North Korea has sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia this year, further strengthening its military support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The reinforcement comes as part of a broader effort by North Korea to support Russia with missiles, artillery, and ammunition, continuing the close alliance between the two nations since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The JCS report, issued on Thursday, states that between January and February 2024, the additional troops were deployed to Russia, joining the initial 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent earlier. It is estimated that 4,000 of the initial 11,000 troops have either been killed or wounded. While Moscow and Pyongyang have not officially confirmed the deployment, the two countries signed a significant military agreement last year, which included a mutual defense clause.

In addition to manpower, North Korea has been supplying Russia with a variety of weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), 170mm self-propelled guns, and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. The JCS report suggests that these numbers could increase depending on the evolving situation on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The support is part of an ongoing military partnership that has drawn concern from the international community, particularly due to violations of UN sanctions by North Korea, which has conducted numerous missile launches in recent months.

Meanwhile, North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the successful testing of new suicide and reconnaissance drones featuring advanced artificial intelligence technology. These drones are capable of tracking and monitoring strategic targets and enemy troop activities, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Experts have linked this new drone development to North Korea’s growing alliance with Russia, with the potential for North Korean troops to gain valuable modern warfare experience, particularly in drone combat.

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Experts warn that North Korea’s increased focus on unmanned weapon systems like drones is part of its broader defense development strategy. Kim Jong Un’s push for “mass production” of attack drones designed for explosive strikes further indicates Pyongyang’s intent to strengthen its military capabilities and technology.

As tensions rise, North Korea’s growing support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict continues to spark concerns over the region’s security dynamics and the potential escalation of military involvement.