South Korea’s military reports that North Korea is preparing to send more troops and weapons, including suicide drones, to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has already supplied rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and suicide drones to Russia, with production ramping up following a recent test overseen by Kim Jong Un. These actions highlight North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia amid ongoing global tensions.
North Korean Troops Deployed in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered mass production of suicide drones and updates to military strategy, citing rising global competition. Pyongyang reportedly deployed around 12,000 troops, with estimates of casualties ranging widely. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported at least 1,100 troops killed or wounded, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cited over 3,000 casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, where North Korean forces have reportedly been deployed in active combat roles. Pyongyang has dismissed claims of troop deployment as “fake news”. However, a North Korean official later stated such actions would be lawful.
Pyongyang’s growing military involvement in Russia’s war raises significant concerns about the transfer of advanced military technology and combat experience, underscoring the broader geopolitical implications of this alliance.
Escalating Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
While North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia deepens, tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising. Pyongyang has deployed up to 10,000 troops along the fortified border, laying landmines, building barriers, and installing barbed wire. These measures aim to reinforce border defenses and create a desolate buffer zone. Additionally, North Korea has released thousands of trash-filled balloons into South Korea, disrupting airports, damaging infrastructure, and causing public safety concerns.
The South Korean military has also reported multiple breaches of the demarcation line by North Korean troops, prompting warning shots in response.
