Russia supplying North Korea with anti-air missiles in exchange for troops to fight in Ukraine South Korean top security official says

Russia has provided North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and air defence systems in return for the deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, South Korea’s top security official said.

National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik revealed that North Korea is believed to have sent over 10,000 soldiers to the western Kursk region of Russia to fight alongside Russian forces, Caliber.Az reports via Korean media.

In exchange, Russia has reportedly supplied North Korea with advanced military equipment, including anti-air missiles, to bolster its air defence capabilities.

Shin also highlighted that following North Korea’s failed military satellite launch on May 27, Russia had offered to assist with satellite technology, further expanding its support to North Korea with various military technologies. Additionally, economic aid in multiple forms has been provided to North Korea.

South Korea’s intelligence agency earlier informed lawmakers that the North Korean troops deployed to Russia are primarily assigned to Moscow’s airborne brigade and marine corps, with some already engaged in combat operations. The Wall Street Journal also reported that a senior North Korean general was injured in a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region.

By Vafa Guliyeva