Russia eyes July assault on Ukraine with North Korean support, Seoul says

Russia could be preparing to mount a major summer offensive against Ukraine with additional support from North Korean troops, South Korea’s intelligence agency has warned.

According to South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes Russia is likely to initiate a large-scale military operation in July or August, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Speaking to reporters, Lee cited the NIS as saying, “Russia may be readying to mount a large-scale assault against Ukraine in July or August.”

The NIS, in a closed-door briefing to South Korean lawmakers, reportedly disclosed that Pyongyang has started recruiting military personnel to be deployed to Russia. The agency estimates that “North Korea would likely send 6,000 additional military personnel to Russia in July or August,” Lee said.

This revelation follows recent developments in the growing military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang last week, where an agreement was reportedly reached for North Korea to dispatch military support for Russian infrastructure projects.

“At that meeting, it's believed he agreed to send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military construction workers to help rebuild Kursk—the Russian region invaded by Ukraine last year,” Lee told reporters. He added, “Vladimir Putin's forces only managed to force the Ukrainians out with help from North Korean combat troops.”

According to South Korean, American, and Ukrainian officials, North Korea deployed an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia in the fall of last year. Additionally, the NIS reports that “North Korea deployed about 3,000–4,000 additional soldiers to Russia earlier this year.”

In exchange for its military assistance, North Korea is believed to be receiving valuable technological support. Lee stated, “In return for North Korea sending artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia, Pyongyang is likely receiving technical advice on satellite launches and missile guidance systems.”

By Vafa Guliyeva