On the 29th, North Korean residents were seen constructing coastal fences and embankments on the coast of Yonbaek County, Hwanghae Province, North Korea, as viewed from Gyodongdo, Ganghwa County, Incheon. The National Intelligence Service stated that some North Korean military personnel, including high-ranking officers deployed to Russia, might have moved to the frontline that day.
Reports from western intelligence agencies suggest that the Ukrainian war is at a new turning point, as North Korean troops deployed to Russia have allegedly entered Ukraine’s border. CNN, citing two western intelligence officials, reported on the 29th (local time) that “a small number of North Korean soldiers have already penetrated Ukraine,” and that officials expect the number of infiltrating forces to increase as the North Korean troops complete training in eastern Russia and move to the front lines.
During a closed-door national audit held by the National Intelligence Service, it was revealed that there is intelligence suggesting an advance team, including Kim Young-bok, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Korean People’s Army General Staff, is moving to the front lines, which is currently being confirmed. The agency also reported that North Korea is expected to deploy a total of 10,900 troops to Russia by the end of this year.
In response to this development, both the South Korean government and the international community are acting more urgently than ever. As the situation unfolds rapidly, the Democratic Party of Korea warned on the 30th that they would take strong measures if the government deploys military forces under the table without parliamentary approval. Kim Byung-joo, a Supreme Council member, stated at the top council meeting that if the government deploys troops without parliament’s consent, the party would pursue various legal actions, including the impeachment of the Minister of National Defense.
Meanwhile, Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People’s Power Party mentioned that the government is considering providing ‘HAWK’ surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.
Additionally, the presidential office announced that discussions for sending a special envoy to address North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia are expected to begin this week.