Kim Jong-un Sends Another 5,000 North Korean Soldiers to Russia
North Korean soldiers. Source: Wall Street Journal website / Social network
South Korean lawmaker Lee Chun-gwon (translated name, Ли Сон Гвон) said after a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) that since this autumn, Pyongyang has dispatched 5,000 construction personnel from the military to Russia to provide "infrastructure reconstruction" assistance.
According to Euractiv, the South Korean parliament member said, "Since September, about 5,000 North Korean engineers have been sent to Russia in stages and are expected to be involved in infrastructure reconstruction work."
He also revealed that the South Korean intelligence agency "has found signs of continuous personnel training and selection, which are aimed at preparing for the deployment of additional troops." Lee Chun-gwon stated that the National Intelligence Service has informed the members of parliament that "there are currently about 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed near the Russia-Ukraine border." According to data from the National Intelligence Service, in the area of Russia's special military operation (SVO) against Ukraine, "at least 600 North Korean soldiers have died, and thousands have been injured."
The South Korean government said that by sending troops, North Korea is obtaining financial aid, military technology, food and energy from Russia, allowing Pyongyang to bypass strict international sanctions imposed due to its nuclear weapons and missile programs - these programs are North Korea's "leverage" against the United States.
"Europe Asia Daily" added: In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and North Korean soldiers for their assistance in liberating Kursk Oblast.
Putin emphasized: "The Russian people will never forget the feats of the North Korean special forces warriors. We will always remember those who gave their lives for Russia and our common freedom, just as we remember our Russian comrades-in-arms."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the participation of North Korean soldiers in this operation demonstrated the efficient operation of the bilateral strategic partnership treaty between the two countries, and said that Russia may also provide military aid to Pyongyang in the future.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense condemned North Korea's deployment of soldiers to Kursk Oblast, calling it an "open mockery of international law, including the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions."
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