Additional Coverage:
- Satellite images show North Korean special forces sent to Russia disguised as Russian soldiers with fake IDs, South Korean spies say (newsbreak.com)
North Korea Deploys Forces to Ukraine
South Korea’s intelligence agency claims North Korea has deployed 1,500 special forces to Russia for training. These troops are expected to join the Ukraine war effort.
Disguised as Russians
Satellite images show the North Korean soldiers at Russian military bases in eastern Russia. They are reportedly disguised as Russian soldiers with fake IDs and uniforms.
First Major Conflict Since Korean War
If confirmed, this would be North Korea’s first significant military involvement in a conflict since the Korean War. However, Western officials have not independently verified the intelligence.
Russia’s Dire Situation
The Pentagon believes the deployment reflects Russia’s desperate need for reinforcements, with hundreds of thousands of its own troops killed or injured in Ukraine.
Strengthened Ties with Russia
North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties during the war, signing a pact for mutual assistance. North Korea has also supplied Russia with weapons, including missiles and artillery ammunition.
Beyond North Korea
Russia has also sought military assistance from Iran, which has provided drones and short-range ballistic missiles. The use of North Korean weapons in Ukraine has been confirmed, with Kyiv targeting arsenals storing them.