North Korea’s Military Support to Russia Increases Amid Rising Tensions
According to South Korean defense officials, North Korea has supplied Russia with 200 long-range artillery pieces and over 11,000 troops amid expanding military ties. The collaboration raises concerns about potential technology exchanges that could strengthen North Korea’s military capabilities further. Intelligence reports suggest that North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict have suffered heavy losses and may have been withdrawn from active combat.
Seoul has reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with 200 long-range artillery pieces, amidst increasing military collaboration between the two nations. According to a South Korean defense ministry official, the North has also provided around 11,000 troops and missiles, along with substantial quantities of ammunition. This indication of military support suggests that North Korea may continue supplying troops and weapons in the future.
In 2024, both Seoul and Kyiv accused North Korea of dispatching over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia in the conflict against Ukraine. Ukraine claims to have encountered multiple North Korean troops during their military operations, resulting in fatalities and captures. Publicly, North Korea and Russia have not confirmed these military deployments, nonetheless, they formalized their partnership through a mutual defense agreement in 2024.
North Korean state media recently noted that leader Kim Jong Un vowed to stand by the Russian military’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. South Korean intelligence reports indicate that North Korean soldiers who were on the Kursk front have seemingly ceased active combat since mid-January, likely due to heavy casualties.
A report from the South Korean defense ministry warns of ongoing North Korean military support to Russia, as highlighted on February 11. They are particularly vigilant regarding the potential for Russia to exchange advanced military technology with North Korea, such as missile re-entry systems and nuclear submarine technologies, significantly enhancing North Korea’s military prowess.
The ongoing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia indicates a strategic partnership set to deepen, with North Korea providing not only artillery but also a considerable number of troops. With both nations appearing to gain mutual advantages, the implications for global security, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict, could be significant. Monitoring of this evolving situation is crucial as it may influence military capabilities and technologies.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
