Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report that South Korea may be inclined to boost its support for Ukraine following Russia's deployment of North Korean troops close to Ukraine’s border.
All Scenarios are Possible
This potential shift in South Korea’s stance comes as Ukrainian intelligence continues to report the presence of North Korean forces near the Russia-Ukraine border.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated on November 1. that “all possible scenarios are under consideration” when asked about the possibility of providing arms to Ukraine, according to Digi24.
Cho emphasized that South Korea would closely monitor North Korea’s involvement in Russia and any advantages Pyongyang might gain from this alliance, suggesting that these factors could influence South Korea’s future actions.
Equipped With Russian Weapons
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIU), Russia relocated an additional 7,000 North Korean personnel to unspecified areas near the Ukrainian border during the last week of October.
Ukrainian intelligence has reported that these North Korean troops have been equipped with a range of weapons by Russian forces.
The arsenal reportedly includes 60 mm mortars, AK-12 assault rifles, RPK/PKM machine guns, SVD/SVCh sniper rifles, Phoenix anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and RPG-7 anti-tank rocket launchers.
Additionally, the North Korean soldiers are said to have received night-vision devices, thermal imaging cameras, and other optical equipment.
