Seoul: Some North Korean generals and troops sent to Russia to support Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine might have relocated to battlefield zones, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed lawmakers on Tuesday. The information was disclosed during a closed-door audit conducted by the parliamentary intelligence committee, as stated by Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party and Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the NIS revealed that the movement of troops between North Korea and Russia is still ongoing. The agency is investigating the possibility of deploying some North Korean personnel, including high-ranking military officials, to the front lines. It has also been noted that the Russian military is teaching over 100 military terms in Russian to North Korean soldiers, although language barriers present apparent challenges in communication.
The NIS assessed that a Russian aircraft traveling between Moscow and Pyongya
ng on October 23-24 likely carried key Russian security officials involved in North Korea’s troop deployment. The agency expects that a total of 10,900 North Korean troops will be deployed to Russia by December. During North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui’s ongoing visit to Russia, she is believed to have discussed additional deployments and compensation for the troops.
Regarding potential provocations by North Korea, the spy agency indicated that the North might launch hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missiles or intercontinental ballistic missiles. With the acquisition of advanced parts and technological cooperation from Russia, North Korea seems prepared to attempt a relaunch of a military reconnaissance satellite after a failed attempt in May. The NIS is closely monitoring the possibility of North Korea conducting its seventh nuclear test following the U.S. presidential elections.
The NIS also reported that approximately 4,000 North Korean workers have been sent to Russia this year. On Mond
ay, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) confirmed that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia’s western front-line Kursk region, a development that could further escalate the extended conflict in Ukraine.
In response to Ukraine’s claim that over 3,000 “mercenaries” from North Korea have started training in Kursk, the NIS acknowledged this as a possibility but could not verify Kyiv’s assertion. When discussing reports of the South Korean government’s consideration to send a team of officials to Kyiv to monitor North Korean troops, the NIS stated it was inappropriate to use terms like “inspection team” or “interrogation team” without confirming plans to send such a team.
Nevertheless, the NIS noted that reviewing the option is worthwhile, highlighting it could be a rare opportunity to gather military intelligence. It further added that the South Korean government would have to accept North Korean soldiers if they sought defection to the South.