North Korea to deploy thousands of soldiers to Russia for reconstruction work

North Korea has begun transferring thousands of its military personnel to Russia to take part in reconstruction work in areas affected by the so-called “special military operation,” South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, citing information from the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

According to the intelligence data, around 5,000 North Korean engineering troops are expected to arrive in Russia to assist in rebuilding damaged infrastructure. An additional 1,000 soldiers will reportedly be tasked with demining operations.

In total, Seoul estimates that Pyongyang plans to send up to 10,000 of its troops to Russia.

Since mid-2023, the two countries have expanded defence and industrial ties, particularly after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a high-profile summit at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in September 2023. During that meeting, both sides discussed “comprehensive strategic cooperation,” including exchanges in military technology, space development, and industrial support.

In return for its support, North Korea has reportedly received shipments of food, fuel, and technical assistance, while also seeking Russian help for its satellite and missile programmes. The United States, South Korea, and Japan have accused Pyongyang of supplying Russia with artillery shells, rockets, and short-range missiles, in violation of multiple UN Security Council sanctions imposed on the DPRK.

Washington and its allies have expressed alarm that this new deployment could constitute another breach of international sanctions. The U.S. State Department, in comments to Reuters and The Washington Post, warned that any form of North Korean support for Russia’s war effort “will come at a cost” and could trigger further diplomatic and economic isolation for both countries.

By Vugar Khalilov