North Korea has reportedly sent additional troops to Russia, redeploying forces in the Kursk region after a brief withdrawal, according to South Korean intelligence.
The move raises concerns over Pyongyang’s increasing military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Troop Movements and Strategic Alliances
As reported by Digi24, a South Korean intelligence official stated that North Korean forces, after a month-long absence, have been redeployed to the frontline in Russia’s Kursk region.
Additional troop deployments have reportedly taken place, although exact numbers remain undisclosed.
In early February, South Korean intelligence indicated that North Korean troops had not been observed in combat since mid-January, following reports of heavy losses.
Their reappearance in Kursk suggests a renewed military commitment between Pyongyang and Moscow, though neither government has publicly acknowledged the presence of North Korean forces in Russia.
Strengthening Military Ties with Moscow
While Russia and North Korea have denied direct involvement of North Korean troops in the war, the two countries signed a security and defense treaty in June 2024, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang.
The agreement signaled deeper military cooperation, with analysts speculating that North Korea has provided Russia with both manpower and munitions in exchange for economic and technological assistance.
The latest troop movements highlight North Korea’s growing role in supporting Russia’s war effort, raising further international scrutiny over the secretive military alliance between the two authoritarian regimes.
