North Korea to Dispatch Military Workers and Deminers for Kursk Reconstruction

North Korea is set to send military construction workers and deminers to support reconstruction in Russia’s Kursk region, reflecting a growing military partnership amid the Ukraine conflict. Sergei Shoigu announced the deployment during a visit to Pyongyang for discussions with Kim Jong Un. This move builds on previous military cooperation and raises concerns about North Korea potentially receiving advanced military technology from Russia.

North Korea is preparing to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to assist with reconstruction efforts in Russia’s Kursk region, according to reports by Russian state media. This initiative, reported by various news agencies, signifies a deepening military alliance between North Korea and Russia, particularly as the latter continues its conflict in Ukraine.

During a recent visit to Pyongyang, top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu announced that North Korea plans to dispatch 1,000 deminers along with 5,000 military construction workers. This revelation came from Shoigu as he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, actively discussing the broader context of their cooperation. “Following the expulsion of invaders from Russian soil, we’ve agreed to continue our constructive cooperation,” Shoigu stated, emphasizing the role of the Korean side in restoring the region.

The support from North Korea is notable, as the nation has already contributed thousands of troops and various weaponry to aid Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. Recent intelligence from Washington and Seoul raises concerns about the potential for North Korea to gain access to Russian technological advancements, which could inadvertently enhance its own nuclear weapons capabilities.

Shoigu’s visit, described as a “special” mission from President Vladimir Putin, involved key discussions about the Kursk region’s reconstruction, as reported by Russia’s Tass news agency. Although North Korean state media has yet to confirm Shoigu’s trip, the implications of this collaboration are significant.

Earlier in April, the partnership between the two nations was solidified when they confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, marking the first time such a move was officially acknowledged. These forces are reported to be engaged in joint operations aimed at countering Ukrainian incursions into the Kursk region. Putin has expressed gratitude towards North Korea for its contributions to the conflict and acknowledged the sacrifices made by its people.

Additionally, South Korea’s intelligence agency has indicated that around 4,700 North Korean personnel have been casualties in these ongoing battles, with approximately 600 confirmed dead. Moreover, 15,000 North Korean laborers are reportedly employed in Russia as part of bilateral industry cooperation initiatives, as confirmed by lawmakers following a closed-door briefing from the National Intelligence Service.

North Korea is dispatching military workers and deminers to aid in the reconstruction of Russia’s Kursk region, indicating a strengthened military partnership between the two nations amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development follows previous confirmations of North Korean troop involvement in Russia’s military efforts and raises concerns over the potential for enhanced North Korean military capabilities through technological exchanges with Russia. The collaboration underscores the deepening ties as both countries seek to bolster their military and industrial efforts during turbulent times.

Original Source: www.france24.com