<img style="display: block; width: 100%;" https:="" alt=" The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s National flag waves on the embassy building in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 30. EPA-Yonhap”/>
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s National flag waves on the embassy building in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 30. EPA-Yonhap
North Korean troops deployed to Russia were assessed to have been assigned to Moscow’s airborne brigade and marine corps on the ground, with some of the North’s soldiers having already entered combat, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers Wednesday.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) presented the assessment during a closed-door meeting of the parliamentary Intelligence Committee, according to People Power Party Rep. Lee Seong-kweun and Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Park Sun-won, who attended the session.
“North Korean troops were assessed to have been relocated to Kursk in late October after completing local adjustment training in northeastern Russia,” the NIS told the lawmakers.
“Having been assigned to Russia’s airborne brigade or marine corps, (some) are undergoing training in tactics and drone response, while others are assessed to have participated in combat,” the spy agency said.
The NIS also told the lawmakers that North Korean troops, having entered combat, may have suffered casualties or wounds, adding that efforts are under way to determine the details of the combat circumstances and the extent of the damage.
Citing varying numbers of North Korean equipment operation forces, the agency estimated the size of the troop dispatch to be between 12,000 and 15,000, adding additional troop deployment could be possible at Russia’s request.
“If the war prolongs, it would lead to increased troop casualties, making it possible for Putin to request additional deployments from North Korea,” the NIS said.
Prolongation of the war is also feared to increase Russia’ dependency on North Korea, raising the chances of Moscow transferring more sophisticated weapon technology to the North, it said, adding that “an early conclusion of the war would be desirable.”
The spy agency additionally noted that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui may have had a “very important and sensitive” discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin during her visit to the country in early November, adding that it may not have been a mere courtesy meeting.
Choe had a surprise meeting with Putin on Nov. 4 during her visit to Russia, demonstrating the elevated closeness between their countries amid North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia to fight in its war against Ukraine.
The NIS also suggested the possibility that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may visit Russia. (Yonhap)
Kim, what strategies do you think human rights organizations and activists should adopt in light of North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia, and how can they effectively raise awareness about the implications for global security?
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I would like to ask two guests about their opinions on the recent developments in North Korea’s military deployment to Russia and its potential implications for both countries, as well as global security.
Guest 1: Dr. Lee Jin-won, Professor of Political Science at Seoul National University, specializing in Korean Studies and International Relations.
Guest 2: Mr. Kim Jae-hyun, Former North Korean defector and current human rights activist, focusing on North Korean affairs and international security.
Section 1: North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia
Dr. Lee, can you please explain the significance of North Korea’s recent deployment of soldiers to Russia, and what do you think are their primary objectives in doing so?
Mr. Kim, as a former North Korean soldier, could you provide insights into the possible motivations behind North Korea’s decision to dispatch troops to Russia, and how it might impact the morale and loyalty of its soldiers?
Section 2: Role of Russia and North Korea in the Conflict
Dr. Lee, how does this deployment fit into the broader context of Russia’s relationship with North Korea, and how might it affect their strategic positions in the region?
Mr. Kim, what are your thoughts on the potential implications of North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict on relations between Russia and China, especially given their shared interests in weakening the United States?
Section 3: Weapons and Technology Transfer
Dr. Lee, there are concerns that Russia might provide North Korea with more advanced weapons or technology as a result of their partnership. Can you discuss the potential consequences of such a transfer, and how it might impact the balance of power in Northeast Asia?
Mr. Kim, as someone familiar with North Korea’s military capabilities and ambitions, what are your thoughts on the likelihood of Russia providing North Korea with advanced weapons or technology, and how might it impact their overall military strength?
Section 4: International Reactions and Future Scenarios
Dr. Lee, how do you think the international community should respond to North Korea’s increased involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Are there any potential sanctions or diplomatic measures that could be taken?
Mr.
