North Korea to Send 30,000 More Troops to Russia as Conflict Escalates

• Ukraine’s intelligence reveals North Korea may send 30,000 troops to Russia.
• US halts weapons delivery to Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv.
• New troop deployments could double North Korea’s previous support to Russia.
• Satellite images confirm military transport activity at Pyongyang’s airport.
• Military cooperation hints at further integration of North Korean forces in Ukraine.

North Korea to Deploy Troops Amid US Weapons Halt

Recent reports from Kyiv have raised alarm bells, indicating that North Korea is poised to dispatch as many as 30,000 additional troops to Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed this troubling news, heightening concerns over national security as the United States takes steps to halt its weapons deliveries to Ukraine. This decision has unsettled the Ukrainian government, which fears that a lack of US support may potentially hinder its ability to defend itself against Russian advances.

Prior Deployments and Increased Recruitment Efforts

Speculation regarding the increased troop deployment has been circulating for the past couple of weeks. In fact, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported in late June that North Korea was preparing to send more soldiers, possibly as early as July or August, and that recruitment drives were actively taking place. Should this new deployment go ahead, it would essentially double the number of North Korean troops Russia received last year, when 15,000 soldiers, alongside an array of military supplies including ballistic missiles, were sent to assist Moscow’s efforts in wresting control of the Kursk region back from Ukrainian forces.

Military Cooperation and Reconstruction Support

In April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly announced this ongoing military cooperation, proudly highlighting the strengthening ties between their countries. Supporting claims of troop movements, satellite imagery dated June 4 shows Ilyushin-76 transport aircraft at the tarmac of Pyongyang’s airport, previously used for troop transport during last year’s deployment. In addition, reports from mid-June revealed that North Korea also plans to send thousands of military construction workers and mine clearance specialists to aid in Russia’s rebuilding efforts, following a recent visit from Russia’s Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu.

Implications for the Ongoing Conflict

The precedents set by previous deployments hint at a troubling trend. According to South Korean intelligence, the troop deployment from last year occurred about a month after Shoigu’s visit to North Korea, during which an agreement was sealed. In return for the last set of troops, Russia provided North Korea with military resources, including advanced air-defense systems and technological assistance related to drones and nuclear developments. Interestingly, Ukrainian assessments suggest that North Korean troops could soon see action in regions of Russian-occupied Ukraine, enhancing the Russian military presence during future offensive maneuvers.

Military Logistics and Expert Opinions

The current intelligence indicates that Russia’s military aircraft may be equipped to carry additional personnel, potentially facilitating the transport of tens of thousands of troops from Russia’s eastern border with North Korea. The document revealed that the Russian defense ministry is prepared to provide the necessary weapons, equipment, and ammunition, aiming for a deeper integration of North Korean forces within Russian combat units. Experts, including Jenny Town from the Stimson Center, have weighed in, stating that while 30,000 may seem excessive, it is not beyond the realm of possibility, particularly if Russia’s demands and North Korea’s situation align favorably for such a maneuver.

In summary, reports indicate North Korea’s intention to send an additional 30,000 troops to bolster Russian forces amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This move raises significant concerns for Ukraine, especially with the US halting its weapons support. Close ties between North Korea and Russia seem to be strengthening as military cooperation continues to evolve, and the implications of such developments may fundamentally alter the dynamics of the conflict.