North Korea to Send Military Construction Workers and Deminers to Rebuild Russia’s Kursk Region

North Korea intends to send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 deminers to support Russia in rebuilding the Kursk region, as reported by Russian news. Sergei Shoigu, during his visit to Pyongyang, emphasized ongoing cooperation amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. This partnership raises concerns about North Korea acquiring technology that could enhance its military capabilities.

In a notable development, North Korea plans to send military construction workers and deminers to assist in the recovery efforts for Russia’s Kursk region, as reported by Russian news agencies. This announcement came from Sergei Shoigu, who serves as Moscow’s security chief, during his recent visit to Pyongyang. It underscores the growing military alliance between North Korea and Russia, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to RIA Novosti, a major Russian state news outlet, Shoigu revealed that North Korea will dispatch around 1,000 deminers along with 5,000 military personnel skilled in construction to aid in the reconstruction. This cooperation was detailed during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “Following the expulsion of invaders from Russian soil, we’ve agreed to continue our constructive cooperation, with the Korean side providing assistance in the restoration of the Kursk region,” Shoigu stated.

The backdrop of this agreement includes North Korea’s earlier military support to Russia, which has involved sending troops and conventional weaponry to back Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine. Observers in Washington and Seoul have expressed concerns, suggesting that North Korea may leverage this partnership to acquire advanced Russian technologies that could potentially boost its nuclear capabilities.

In their discussions earlier this month in Pyongyang, Shoigu and Kim focused explicitly on the rebuilding initiatives in the Kursk area, reports indicate. It was also noted that Shoigu’s visit was framed as a “special” mission from President Putin. However, North Korean state media did not confirm the specifics of his visit immediately.

April saw the formal announcement of North Korean troop deployments to Russia, marking a significant escalation of military cooperation. Reports noted that North Korean soldiers have engaged alongside Russian forces to repel Ukrainian advances in the Kursk border region. Putin made it clear that he appreciated North Korea’s contributions in the war, promising to remember their sacrifices.

Additionally, a briefing from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service revealed that North Korea had incurred approximately 4,700 casualties, with about 600 deaths reported among its forces operating in Ukraine. Furthermore, it was mentioned that around 15,000 North Korean laborers have been sent to Russia, highlighting the ongoing industrial cooperation between the two nations.

The announcement of North Korea sending military personnel to aid in rebuilding Russia’s Kursk region reflects the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid ongoing conflicts. With North Korea already assisting Russia during the war in Ukraine, this partnership is likely to continue to evolve, raising concerns about regional and global security implications. As both nations express their commitment to cooperation, the balance of power in the area remains precarious.

Original Source: www.france24.com