In a startling turn of events that could significantly escalate the conflict in Ukraine, North Korea is reportedly deploying up to 12,000 troops to support Russia. This information comes from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which has provided satellite imagery and detailed reports on the initial deployment of elite North Korean special forces to Russia’s Far East.
The NIS indicates that 1,500 members of the North Korean “Storm Corps” have already been transported to Vladivostok via Russian Navy vessels between October 8th and 13th. These troops are currently undergoing training at Russian military bases, having been issued Russian uniforms and weapons to mask their true origins. The NIS further notes that this is just the first wave, with plans to send an additional 10,500 soldiers soon.
This move has alarmed the international community, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol labeling it a “significant security threat not only to our country but also to the world.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, while unable to confirm the reports, acknowledged the potential for a shift in the alliance’s position.
The deployment follows North Korea’s significant military support to Russia, including artillery shells, missiles, and anti-tank rockets. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rare visit to Pyongyang further solidified the alliance, raising speculation about additional arms transfers. Experts believe that sending soldiers to Ukraine could provide North Korean troops with valuable combat experience and insight into various weapon systems.
While North Korea has previously sent fighter pilots and military advisors to other countries, this marks the first instance of deploying a large-scale ground force abroad. The implications of this action are uncertain, but it raises serious concerns about the potential for a broader international conflict and increased instability in the region.
This development underscores the complex dynamics of the war in Ukraine, as global powers become entwined in a web of alliances and potential hostilities. It also highlights the growing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and its readiness to engage in military operations that challenge international norms. The world is closely monitoring this situation as it unfolds and assessing its potential ramifications.