Recent intelligence reports have suggested that North Korean soldiers are "highly likely" to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This information follows a military cooperation agreement between North Korea and Russia, signed earlier this year, where both nations pledged military and other forms of support in times of war.
According to South Korean intelligence and defense reports, North Korean military personnel have likely been deployed to assist Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a recent missile strike near Donetsk, it was reported that six North Korean officers were killed, which has led to further speculations regarding the active involvement of North Korean troops on the ground. This development is seen as part of North Korea’s commitment to support Russia militarily, alongside previous reports of arms supplies, including artillery shells and missiles, from Pyongyang to Moscow.
North Korea’s military support of Russia in Ukraine marks a significant escalation in their bilateral relationship. The agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signed earlier this year, allows for immediate assistance in times of war. South Korean officials have characterized this alliance as a "military pact" that has now moved beyond arms supplies to include direct military personnel.
While there has been no official confirmation from Russia or North Korea, the reports of North Korean troops in Ukraine raise concerns about the expansion of the conflict and the involvement of additional nations.
This situation has sparked fears of further escalation in the conflict, particularly as North Korea and Russia deepen their cooperation. The addition of foreign troops into the Ukrainian conflict has drawn international attention and could potentially draw more countries into the war.