AP: North Korea sends 3,000 additional troops to Russia in support of Ukraine war

North Korea has sent approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia in January and February to continue supporting President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, according to South Korea’s military assessment released on March 27.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed that North Korea has also been increasing its military aid to Russia, including missiles, artillery, and ammunition, with the possibility of further supplies depending on the progress of the war, Caliber.Az reports, citing the latest material by Associated Press.

This comes after Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to a limited ceasefire, although both sides have accused each other of violations.

The South Korean report stated that the military equipment sent to Russia by North Korea includes a “considerable amount” of short-range ballistic missiles, 170 millimeter self-propelled howitzers, and approximately 220 units of 240 millimeter multiple rocket launchers.

Since its initial involvement in the Ukraine conflict, North Korea has deployed around 11,000 troops. This marks North Korea’s first major engagement in a large-scale conflict since the Korean War (1950-1953). However, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff estimates that roughly 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded during the conflict.

The high casualty rate among North Korean forces is attributed to their difficulties adapting to modern warfare techniques, such as drones, and their disadvantageous position under Russian command. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, North Korean troops have been sent into assault operations without sufficient rear-fire support, a tactic that has contributed to heavy losses.

Despite the setbacks, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have noted that North Korean troops are gaining valuable battlefield experience and have become crucial to Russia's strategy. The North Korean forces have been particularly significant in Russia's efforts to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses in the battle for Kursk.

This military collaboration was underscored last week during a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. State media reports indicated that Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, while both sides reiterated their commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed last year.

In addition, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko mentioned on Thursday that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential visit by Kim Jong Un to Moscow. However, he did not provide specifics on the timeline for the visit. “We always talk to everyone about exchanging visits. We are always preparing,” Rudenko told reporters.

By Tamilla Hasanova