Seoul: North Korea has deployed 12,000 troops, including elite forces, to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine, as confirmed by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) during a recent National Security Council meeting. The revelation, backed by aerial images, has shifted South Korea from being an observer to a stakeholder in the war, raising significant security concerns for the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the NIS disclosed that the North Korean troops, described as the “Storm Corps” and akin to South Korea’s “Black Berets,” are currently training in Russia’s far eastern region. This development follows a mutual defense assistance treaty signed between Pyongyang and Moscow, which was announced during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June.
The troop deployment decision by North Korea has led to a strategic reassessment in South Korea. The presidential office indicated that it is contemplating “all possible means,” including the provision of lethal weapons
to Ukraine-a significant shift from its previous stance of only providing non-lethal aid. This change underscores the heightened threat perceived by South Korea, with the presidential office expressing concerns over the potential destabilization of the global security environment.
The implications of North Korea’s involvement are multifaceted. Defense experts suggest that the deployment of North Korea’s specially trained forces could potentially alter the dynamics on the ground in Ukraine, possibly tipping the scales in Russia’s favor. Moreover, the troop dispatch is seen as a risky but potentially lucrative move for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, potentially securing financial and military support from Russia amidst its troop shortages.
Furthermore, the exposure of North Korean troops to active combat situations in Ukraine presents another layer of threat, as it could enhance North Korea’s military capabilities and experience. This development signifies a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape,
linking South Korea more directly to the outcomes of the Ukraine conflict.
As the situation unfolds, South Korea, in collaboration with its international partners, is poised to take decisive actions to mitigate the risks associated with North Korea’s new military alignment with Russia. This scenario marks a critical juncture in the regional and global security paradigm, necessitating close monitoring and strategic planning by involved nations.