North Korea Increases Troop Deployment to Russia, Third Wave Possible

North Korea has sent 3,500 soldiers for training in Russia amid reports of a possible third troop deployment to aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence indicates around 1,500 North Koreans are already on the front lines. The ongoing military cooperation raises concerns about the evolving nature of the conflict.

North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,500 soldiers to training facilities in Russia’s Far East, according to South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon. This information, informed by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov of Ukraine’s defense intelligence during Yu’s recent trip to Kyiv, suggests a potential third deployment might occur to support Russia’s ongoing military efforts in Ukraine.

Rep. Yu stated that these soldiers are currently undergoing field adaptation training at five different locations in Eastern Russia. He further revealed that an earlier contingent of approximately 1,500 North Korean soldiers is already actively engaged on the front lines, particularly near the Kursk region, after completing their adaptation training.

This follows North Korea’s previous troop deployment where roughly 11,000 soldiers were sent to Russia in October of last year, with additional forces sent between January and February of this year. According to Yu, Ukrainian intelligence indicates that around 400 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives, while approximately 3,600 have sustained injuries during the conflicts, and some have returned to combat.

Yu also shared insights into the integration of North Korean troops within Russian forces, noting an estimate of 63,000 troops from both countries operating in the Kursk area alone. Additionally, he highlighted a concerning phenomenon of North Korean soldiers borrowing mobile phones from Russian counterparts and accessing propaganda materials contained on their devices.

Emphasizing the perceived combat effectiveness of North Korean soldiers, it was reported that five North Korean troops are considered equivalent to ten Russian soldiers in combat capability due to their high endurance and fearless demeanor. Yu conveyed that Ukrainian officials are observing ongoing troop replenishment efforts from North Korea, with intentions for further deployments.

In his discussions, Yu addressed North Korean military casualties, estimating approximately 4,000 casualties based on Ukrainian sources. The stark nature of this situation includes the report of high injury rates but remarkably low capture rates, suggesting many of the injured soldiers engage in self-destruction to avoid capture. He concluded with a rare account provided by a captured North Korean soldier, revealing the intense physical training regiment their troops undergo.

The recent deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia indicates an evolving military collaboration aimed at strengthening Russian forces in Ukraine. With thousands of troops already active on the front lines and reports of significant casualties, these developments highlight the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict. The implications of this alliance remain a focal point for international observers and may influence future military dynamics in the region.

Original Source: news.az