North Korea may deploy as many as 100,000 soldiers to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to assessments from G20 nations reported by Digi24.
The move would deepen the alliance between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reflecting growing cooperation between the two nations.
Sources familiar with these evaluations stated that such a deployment is not imminent. If it happens, the soldiers would likely be sent in phases, with troops rotating over time rather than being deployed all at once.
This approach would help sustain combat effectiveness and minimize losses.
Rotating Troops
Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, Dmytro Ponomarenko, shared a similar analysis earlier this month.
He estimated that North Korea could initially send up to 15,000 soldiers to fight in Russia's Kursk region or occupied areas of eastern Ukraine.
These troops would rotate every few months to maintain their operational capabilities.
A source close to Russia's Ministry of Defense noted that a rotational deployment system is necessary to ensure the troops’ effectiveness.
Without it, North Korean forces could quickly face heavy casualties, reducing their value on the battlefield.
The figure of 100,000 soldiers indicates that Putin may be preparing for a prolonged conflict. This potential reinforcement would complement military supplies already provided by North Korea, including artillery shells and ammunition.
The growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have raised concerns among international observers. Experts warn that deeper cooperation could further destabilize the region and extend the war in Ukraine.
