South Korea set to address NATO on North Korean military movements to Russia

A South Korean delegation, consisting of intelligence and government officials, will visit NATO headquarters in Brussels this week to discuss North Korea's troop deployments to Russia.

This briefing, led by First Deputy Director Hong Jang-won of the National Intelligence Service, follows a request from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a phone conversation with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Caliber.Az reports per Korean media.

The discussions come amid rising concerns about North Korean troops potentially being deployed for combat in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reports indicate that these troops are amassing in Russia’s southwestern Kursk region, which saw significant Ukrainian activity in August. The South Korean delegation will focus on analyzing North Korea's military movements and their implications for regional security.

Additionally, the delegation may explore support options for Ukraine, including the possibility of sending South Korean officials to monitor the activities of North Korean troops. Seoul is currently considering analyzing the military tactics and doctrines employed by these troops.

If a monitoring team is dispatched, it would likely comprise intelligence officials and North Korea specialists, who could assist in interrogating captured North Korean soldiers. Experts in psychological operations might also be included to encourage defections among North Korean personnel.

The delegation's agenda may also address the provision of military support to Ukraine. While South Korea has thus far limited its assistance to humanitarian aid, President Yoon has indicated that the country might consider sending arms, depending on the level of military collaboration between Russia and North Korea.

This topic is also expected to be on the agenda when South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun meets with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Washington on October 23. The meetings underscore the urgency of addressing the evolving security landscape as North Korea and Russia deepen their military ties.

By Vafa Guliyeva