Reuters: Nearly 11,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reported that nearly 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, with some actively participating in battles during the Ukraine war. The troops are serving as part of Russia’s airborne and marine units, Reuters reports.
On Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent remarks suggesting the potential deployment of 100,000 North Korean troops to Russia, South Korea’s intelligence indicated that while this number remains unconfirmed, additional troop deployments could occur if battles are prolonged and casualties mount.
In its report, Reuters refers to South Korean parliament intelligence committee member Lee Seong-kweun, citing the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on 20 November. According to him, North Korea has also supplied additional weapons to Russia, including self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers.
The NIS is investigating the number of North Korean casualties and whether any soldiers have surrendered. The agency has received conflicting information regarding their status in the ongoing conflict.
According to Reuters, another parliament intelligence committee member, Park Sun-won cited NIS, saying that North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow might have discussed significant issues, potentially including a future visit by Kim to Russia.
Related:
- Ukraine’s FM presents KN-23 missile fragment at UNSC meeting as evidence of North Korean weapon use
- ISW reports Kremlin threats over US approval of Ukrainian ATACMS strikes inside Russia
- Russia braces for ATACMS strikes on airfields, yet impact may be limited
- Washington to announce extra defense aid for Ukraine in coming days, US UN envoy says
- Russian advances confirmed in Donetsk and Kursk Oblasts by ISW and Deep State OSINT mapping project
- Frontline report: Russian commanders’ lies about gains in Kursk Oblast leave soldiers trapped
- North Korea seeks Russian nuclear tech in exchange for troops in Ukraine, says Ukrainian minister
- North Korea may hesitate to deploy more troops to Russia due to ATACMS strikes, says Defense Express expert
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