North Korean Soldiers Gear Up in Russia for Possible Ukraine Deployment

 

Recent footage has emerged showing North Korean soldiers being outfitted with uniforms and military gear at a training facility in Russia’s far east. This development aligns with reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), suggesting that approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia for military training, likely in preparation for deployment to Ukraine.

The North Korean soldiers are believed to be undergoing training before potentially being dispatched to the front lines in Ukraine, signaling a notable strengthening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

A video released by a Ukrainian government agency depicts a long line of soldiers waiting to receive their gear. Although the audio quality is low, the soldiers are assumed to be speaking Korean. Upon their arrival in Russia, these recruits were asked to complete a sizing questionnaire for uniforms and gear, which featured Russian at the top and Korean for size options.

Another video, which has been geolocated, shows troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground near the Russian border with China. In this footage, a voice in the background expresses concerns about filming the troops and hints at the presence of many more reinforcements.

This evidence supports Ukraine’s longstanding fears that North Korea is preparing for a more substantial involvement in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised alarms about the deepening partnership between Russia and North Korea, indicating that “thousands” of North Korean Soldiers are headed to Russia.

Zelensky mentioned to reporters, “From intelligence I have, they are preparing 10,000 soldiers, including land forces and technical personnel,” referring to the situation as an urgent matter he has discussed with U.S. officials.

Previously, South Korean media reported that North Korea might send a total of 12,000 troops, although this figure was not confirmed by the national intelligence service.

Should these deployments occur, it would mark North Korea’s significant involvement in an international conflict. Despite having one of the largest militaries in the world, with 1.2 million personnel, many of these troops lack combat experience.

Various governments have accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Moscow for its ongoing war in Ukraine, a claim both nations deny, despite evidence suggesting such transfers.

The relationship between Russia and North Korea has grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine. During a visit to North Korea in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to provide military assistance to each other in the event of an attack.

Putin noted during his visit that the ties between the two countries were reaching a “new level.” Kim, in remarks prior to their discussions, expressed his full support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, framing them as efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.