North Korea is rumored to send 10,000 troops to aid Russia in attacking Ukraine, U.S. concerned_1

Recent reports reveal that North Korea and Russia have established a joint defense agreement, with claims that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are undergoing training in Russia. These troops could potentially be deployed to the Ukraine front if necessary. The U.S. has expressed concern over North Korea’s involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Western sources have hinted at the strategic benefits for North Korea in sending troops to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on October 13 that, given North Korea’s provision of personnel and weapons to Russian forces in Ukraine, the defense relationship between Ukraine and its partners must evolve. He noted, “We are observing a strengthening alliance between regimes like Russia and North Korea. Not only are weapons being transferred, but personnel are also moving from North Korea to the occupying forces. Given this situation, our relations with our partners need to progressively develop, and the front line requires more assistance. We’re discussing providing Ukraine with greater long-range strike capabilities and ongoing support, rather than just a checklist of military hardware.”

The Kremlin has dismissed these claims as “fake news.” White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett commented on October 15, expressing that the U.S. is deeply concerned about the possibility of North Korean troops entering Ukraine. If verified, this would signify a notable enhancement of the defensive relationship between North Korea and Russia. Savett stated, “This also indicates a new level of desperation from Russia, as their military continues to sustain significant losses in this brutal war against Ukraine.”

Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and ammunition. Both North Korea and Russia have denied any weapon transfers but have vowed to strengthen their military ties, possibly involving joint exercises.

A Western diplomat disclosed to the Kyiv Independent on October 15 that North Korea has sent 10,000 soldiers to support Russian operations in Ukraine, though it remains unclear what type of soldiers they are and what roles they will play. Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency has refrained from commenting on the matter.

Furthermore, a report from the Washington Post on the same day, citing anonymous Ukrainian military intelligence officials, suggested that “thousands” of North Korean infantry are being trained in Russia, with potential deployment to the front lines in Ukraine by the end of this year.

The Washington Post analyzed that North Korea has consistently supported Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, with Kim Jong-un pledging full support for President Vladimir Putin’s “sacred war for regional peace and international justice.” In March 2022, just a month after the onset of the invasion, North Korea was one of four countries to vote alongside Russia against a UN resolution condemning the aggression.

Officials from the U.S., Ukraine, and South Korea have noted that since then, North Korea has continued to assist Putin by supplying much-needed Soviet-era ammunition to Russian forces. American officials suggest that North Korea’s support could lead to Russia aiding in its weapons development programs.

The military ties between North Korea and Russia date back to the Soviet era, when Soviet leaders supported North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, sparking the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Even after the armistice in the Korean War, both Koreas maintained ammunition and weapons stockpiles to prevent renewed conflict. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, it appears that Russian forces are indeed seeking older shells and weapons from North Korea.