“North Korean Troops Moved to Russia Exceed 3,000”
“Expected to Reach Over 10,000 by Year’s End”
On the 23rd, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that over 3,000 North Korean troops have relocated to Russia, and the total number is expected to reach 10,000 by December. During a National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting, NIS Director Cho Tae-yong provided updates on the deployment of North Korean military forces to Russia, as announced by the committee members, Lee Seong-gwon from the People Power Party and Park Seon-won from the Democratic Party.
The NIS estimated the number of North Korean troops relocated to Russia increased by approximately 1,500 after the first transfer between the 8th and 13th, now totaling around 3,000. Park Seon-won stated, “The NIS has presented credible intelligence suggesting that around 10,000 troops will be deployed by December.”
The NIS also reported that the deployed North Korean troops appear to be dispersed across various training facilities in Russia, adapting to the local environment. According to NIS findings, while Russian instructors view the physical fitness and morale of the North Korean troops as excellent, they note a lack of understanding of modern warfare, such as drone attacks, and anticipate high casualties if deployed to the front lines.
Additionally, the NIS observed trends in the Russian military selecting a large number of Korean language interpreters and confirmed special training in military equipment usage and unmanned aerial vehicles for the North Korean troops.
Within North Korea, there is strict censorship regarding the deployment, though rumors are spreading, with anecdotes such as “the face of selected soldiers’ families is swollen from crying” becoming common. The NIS has also uncovered evidence that North Korean authorities are relocating and isolating families of deployed soldiers to maintain control and avoid information leaks.
The NIS believes the deployment discussions began following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between North Korea and Russia in June, which commits them to provide military aid without delay in a state of war. The NIS analyzed the motivations for the deployment as a means to solidify the North Korea-Russia military alliance, potentially involve Russia in Korean affairs during a crisis, create an economic breakthrough, and expedite military modernization.