North Korea is gearing up to deploy more troops and military equipment, including kamikaze drones, to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.
This development was reported by South Korea’s military via Yonhap on December 23.
Thousands of North Korean personnel are already in Russia, and in recent days, North Korean soldiers have allegedly participated in ground assaults alongside Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced that North Korea is preparing to rotate or increase troop deployments in Russia, while continuing to supply 240mm rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery.
“There are also indications that North Korea is moving to manufacture and supply suicide drones,” said the JCS, referencing new drones unveiled during Kim Jong Un’s on-site inspection in November.
The JCS suggested that North Korea seeks to gain battlefield experience and modernize its weapons systems through this partnership with Russia.
By deepening military cooperation, Pyongyang is also likely hoping to strengthen its strategic position and bolster its military capabilities.
North Korea’s Growing Role in Russia’s War
North Korea has become one of Russia’s key allies in the conflict, supplying ballistic missiles, artillery ammunition, and now soldiers. The two nations signed a defense treaty in June, which obliges each to provide military aid to the other if attacked.
Reports from Ukraine in December confirmed that Russia had begun deploying North Korean units in assault operations.
According to South Korean officials, North Korean soldiers are suffering high casualty rates, partly due to their lack of experience with modern warfare techniques, including drone operations.
At least 100 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed while fighting for Russia, said South Korean lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is attempting to hide information about North Korean troop casualties, underscoring the secretive nature of the cooperation.
