SEOUL: Videos and satellite imagery have surfaced suggesting the presence of North Korean soldiers at Russian military training facilities, potentially indicating their deployment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by The Washington Post.
According to Yonhap News Agency, videos and screenshots circulated on Telegram by pro-Russian military outlet Para Pax reportedly depict individuals resembling North Korean soldiers at the Sergeevka training facility near Vladivostok, Russia. This development is supported by satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, which shows heightened activity at the site in recent weeks, aligning with claims from South Korea, the United States, and their allies regarding North Korea’s involvement alongside Russia in Ukraine.
South Korean and U.S. officials have stated that approximately 3,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia for potential deployment on the front lines, while Ukraine has suggested that the figure could be as high as 12,000 soldiers. Initial de
nials by Pyongyang and Moscow were met with a shift in narrative, as comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s vice foreign minister this week appeared to acknowledge the troop deployment.
The Washington Post reported that one video shows North Korean soldiers, identifiable by their Russian military uniforms and backpacks, passing a concrete lattice fence. The footage reportedly captures a voice in Russian saying, “Here they go,” as the soldiers move past.
Further evidence from Maxar’s satellite imagery indicates new construction and equipment installations at the Sergeevka compound, potentially corroborating the presence of foreign troops. Additionally, Astra, a self-proclaimed independent Russian media outlet, released footage allegedly depicting North Korean soldiers conversing in a North Korean accent outside a military training site in Vladivostok.
A Ukrainian government-affiliated organization also shared video evidence purportedly showing North Korean soldiers preparing for de
ployment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that intelligence reports suggest Russia plans to deploy these troops to the battlefield starting October 27-28.