North Korea Sends Additional Soldiers to Russia for Military Training

North Korea has recently sent 3,500 more soldiers to Russia for training, with indications of potential additional deployments. Approximately 1,500 North Korean troops are already assisting Russian forces in Ukraine, contributing to a total of 63,000 combatants in the region. Casualties among North Korean troops are significant, highlighting the impact of their involvement in the conflict.

North Korea has deployed approximately 3,500 additional soldiers to Russia’s Far East for training at five military sites, indicating a possible third wave of troop dispatches to assist in Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. This information was announced by South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon from the ruling People Power Party following his intelligence briefing from Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukrainian defense intelligence, during his mission to Kyiv from February 23 to 26.

Rep. Yu described the current North Korean soldiers engaged in field adaptation training in Russia, emphasizing the potential for further deployments. He stated that roughly 1,500 previously deployed soldiers are already at the front lines supporting Russian operations against Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region after completing their training.

Previously, North Korea dispatched around 11,000 troops to Russia in October of the prior year, with additional forces sent between January and February 2023. According to intelligence reports, approximately 400 North Koreans have been killed, while around 3,600 have sustained injuries during the conflict, with 300 of them having returned to combat.

Ukraine estimates that around 63,000 troops, including both Russian and North Korean forces, are now operating jointly in the Kursk region, with some units consisting solely of North Korean soldiers. Reports indicate that North Korean soldiers have been observed seeking assistance from Russian troops, with their equipment revealing a substantial amount of ideological training materials.

In summary, North Korea’s military involvement in Russia’s Ukraine campaign is intensifying, with significant troop deployments and training activities recorded. The presence of thousands of North Korean soldiers and the substantial casualties reported illustrate the ongoing collaboration between North Korea and Russia. The situation remains fluid, with further reinforcements anticipated as the conflict progresses.

Original Source: news.az