South Korea warns of up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers heading to Russia

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South Korea has again warned that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to Russia, although Seoul has found no signs that an imminent deployment is under way. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said North Korea is continuing preparations to dispatch additional troops to Russian territory.

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The assessment was conveyed to lawmaker Yu Yong-weon and emerged after Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed claims made last week by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president had said that Pyongyang was planning to send between 30,000 and 50,000 additional military personnel to support Russia.

North Korea continues deployment preparations

According to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, Pyongyang is also continuing to supply Russia with weapons systems. These include short-range ballistic missiles, while South Korean estimates place the number of artillery rounds delivered to Moscow at more than 15 million.

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Yu’s office stated that some North Korean missiles used in the war in Ukraine may have improved their accuracy using data gathered on the battlefield. According to an assessment by South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency, Russian technical advice and support involving components may also be contributing to this process.

Seoul also believes that development of certain North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers is nearing completion. Based on information released by the legislator’s office, these systems would be intended mainly for a potential conflict with South Korea.

North Korean missiles and cooperation with Russia

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense also reported that North Korea is preparing the intermediate-range ballistic missile Hwasong-12 for operational deployment. The system can reach the US territory of Guam, while North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles are capable of reaching the continental United States.

However, Seoul said that several key technologies have yet to be verified. These include the re-entry capability of warheads, as North Korean test launches have so far been conducted on lofted trajectories.

North Korean missile stocks identified by Ukraine

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence (GUR) estimated that Russia possesses around 50 North Korean ballistic missiles from the KN-23, KN-24 and KN-30 families. The July assessment was included in a report on Russian missile stockpiles and Moscow’s ability to sustain high weapons production.

Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has intensified since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to assessments by South Korea, Ukraine and Western countries, Pyongyang began supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia in 2023 and deployed troops from 2024, although Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied arms transfers.

Images for illustrative purposes.