North Korea Dispatches Additional Troops and Military Support to Russia

South Korea reported that North Korea sent 3,000 more troops to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. North Korea has dispatched nearly 11,000 troops and provided military resources, despite high casualty figures. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un continues to support Russia, emphasizing the development of military drones and technology.

In a significant development, South Korea’s military announced that North Korea dispatched approximately 3,000 additional troops to Russia during January and February as part of its ongoing support for President Vladimir Putin’s operations in Ukraine. The assessment indicates that North Korea is also augmenting its supply of missiles, artillery, and ammunition to bolster Russian efforts, contingent upon the evolving situation of the conflict.

The military supplies from North Korea to Russia reportedly include a sizeable number of short-range ballistic missiles, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers. Overall, North Korea has contributed nearly 11,000 troops to the war, marking its first substantial military engagement since the Korean War, resulting in approximately 4,000 military casualties due to the troops’ struggles in adapting to modern warfare alongside ineffective Russian command tactics.

Ukrainian military sources highlight that despite their difficulties, North Korean troops are acquiring valuable battlefield experience, contributing significantly to Russia’s strategy of overwhelming Ukrainian forces by deploying large troop numbers.

Following a meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his commitment to Russia’s military operations and the mutual defense treaty. Notably, discussions regarding a possible visit by Kim to Moscow were hinted at by Russian officials, although details remained unconfirmed.

There are growing concerns regarding potential technology exchanges between Russia and North Korea, particularly in areas such as drone technology, which could enhance North Korea’s military capabilities. Recently, state media reported that Kim observed tests of newly developed reconnaissance and attack drones, highlighting their production and advanced capabilities, which are deemed critical for modern warfare.

The North Korean state media highlighted the impressive performance of these drones, which are said to track targets and enhance intelligence-gathering efficacy. Furthermore, Kim has prioritized the development of drones and artificial intelligence in military strategy, signaling an evolution in North Korea’s approach to warfare, as evidenced by recent drone tests and military inspections conducted by Kim himself.

In summary, North Korea’s recent troop deployments and military support to Russia indicate a strengthening partnership aimed at bolstering Russian military efforts in Ukraine. The anticipated exchange of military technologies may further enhance North Korea’s capabilities, particularly in drone warfare. As the conflict progresses, the implications of these developments for regional security remain significant and warrant close observation.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com