North Korea has sent an additional 3,000 troops to Russia, bringing the total to approximately 11,000. The deployment coincides with ongoing discussions between Russian and North Korean leaders regarding security issues. Despite high casualties among North Korean troops, their support exemplifies deepening ties with Russia, alongside arms supplies. The alliance may also provide North Korea with access to nuclear capabilities, as both nations strengthen diplomatic ties.
According to South Korea, North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,000 troops to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine this year. This development, reported on Thursday, brings the total number of North Korean troops aiding Russia to an estimated 11,000. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff also indicated that approximately 4,000 of these soldiers are believed to have sustained casualties in the ongoing conflict.
The report follows a recent meeting between Russian Security Council Chief Sergei Shoigu and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where they discussed security matters, including issues specific to the Korean Peninsula. This meeting was highlighted amid efforts by the White House to negotiate a stable ceasefire, which have been complicated by accusations of ceasefire violations from both Moscow and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military reported that they successfully intercepted 42 Russian-launched drones targeting various regions, including areas near Crimea. Separately, a drone strike in Kharkiv injured at least 12 people.
In addition to troop deployment, North Korea continues to supply Russia with munitions, including short-range ballistic missiles and artillery systems. The Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that this supply is expected to increase in response to evolving battlefield conditions. Despite their rigorous training, North Korean troops face high casualty rates due to their lack of combat experience against advanced weaponry.
North Korea’s military contributions signify a deepening alliance with Russia, solidified by a mutual defense agreement established last year. Furthermore, reports suggest that North Korea might be receiving assistance for its nuclear ambitions in exchange for military support. Kim Jong Un is reportedly contemplating a visit to Moscow, bolstered by statements from Russian officials expressing intentions to enhance diplomatic relations with North Korea.
The ongoing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, characterized by troop deployments and arms supplies, indicates a profound strengthening of their alliance. Despite facing military challenges, North Korea’s contributions to Russia’s efforts in Ukraine reflect a mutual interest in enhancing their strategic partnership. As diplomatic engagements between the two nations expand, both are likely to explore further avenues of cooperation, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
