SEOUL: Approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to Russia to support its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with plans to increase the number to 10,000 by December, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the NIS disclosed these details to lawmakers during a private session of the parliamentary intelligence committee. The agency had previously confirmed North Korea’s decision to send troops, with the initial batch of 1,500 soldiers having arrived in Russia earlier this month. A subsequent group of 1,500 soldiers has also been dispatched since then, as per the report by NIS Director Cho Tae-yong.
These troops are not currently engaged in combat but are stationed at Russian military facilities where they are undergoing training on military equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. Each North Korean soldier receives a monthly compensation of approximately $2,000 for their service in Russia.
A total of 10,000 troops are expected to be dep
loyed, including those already sent. While Russian instructors commend the North Korean soldiers for their physical and mental fitness, they have expressed concerns about the soldiers’ unfamiliarity with modern warfare tactics, including drone operations. Reports also indicate potential casualties among the North Korean troops.
The NIS also noted that North Korea appears to have relocated the families of the dispatched soldiers to undisclosed locations to maintain confidentiality. Although North Korea has not officially commented, the news has reportedly reached local communities, with some family members reacting with grief.
The troop deployment is believed to be part of an agreement reached between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which included a mutual defense pact. The NIS suggests that North Korea aims to strengthen military ties with Russia, seek Russian support in Korean Peninsula matters, and address economic challenges, while also modernizing its milita
ry capabilities.
In return, Russia is expected to provide compensation to North Korea, as stated by Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, marking the first official acknowledgment by a U.S. official.
NATO has also corroborated these reports, with spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah confirming evidence of the troop deployment and indicating that NATO members will further discuss the issue with input from South Korea.