South Korean media, citing the National Intelligence Service (NIS), reported on Thursday that North Korea has sent additional troops to Russia.
The new contingent has reportedly been deployed to the Kursk region, a key battleground where Russian forces are engaged with Ukrainian troops who have advanced into western Russia.
The exact size of the additional North Korean unit has not been disclosed. However, it follows previous NIS statements indicating that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian operations in the Ukraine conflict. In addition to personnel, Ukraine and Western experts have noted that Russian forces have been utilizing North Korean-made weapons.
When contacted for comment, the spokesperson’s office at the NIS did not respond, and North Korea has not formally acknowledged its military involvement in the conflict. The move comes amid ongoing hostilities and shifting dynamics on the ground, underscoring the complex international dimensions of the Ukraine war.
As reports continue to emerge, analysts caution that the expanded North Korean presence could further complicate efforts to resolve the conflict and may signal deeper military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Further details remain limited as both South Korean and international authorities monitor the situation closely.
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