In a surprising turn of events, South Korea's spy agency claims that North Korea has sent troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reports that from October 8 to 13, Russian navy ships transported 1, 500 North Korean special operation forces to Vladivostok. More troops are expected to follow. This news comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned intelligence suggesting North Korea is preparing to send 10, 000 troops to join the fight.

The NIS says these North Korean soldiers are now based at military sites in Vladivostok and other Russian cities like Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk, and Blagoveshchensk. They are undergoing training before being deployed to the frontlines. Satellite images released by the NIS show Russian navy ships near a North Korean port and large gatherings of people in Ussuriysk and Khabarovsk.

South Korean media, citing the NIS, reports that a total of 12, 000 North Korean troops, divided into four brigades, are set to be dispatched to Russia. However, the NIS couldn’t confirm these reports. This would mark North Korea's first major participation in a foreign war since the Korean War in the 1950s.

North Korea has one of the world’s largest standing armies, with about 1. 2 million troops, but it hasn't been involved in large-scale conflicts for decades. Russia has denied using North Korean troops, with its presidential spokesperson calling such claims fake news. North Korea's state media hasn't commented on this issue.

Experts question the effectiveness of North Korean troops due to their outdated equipment and lack of recent battle experience. They suggest North Korea might be receiving promises of high-tech weapons in exchange for their military support. This could complicate U. S. and South Korea's efforts to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats.

"Diplomatically, North Korea is risking its relations with European countries, " said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. He added that North Korea might gain significant military technology that could threaten South Korea's security. Another analyst, Hong Min, believes Russia could offer advanced technology related to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held an emergency security meeting to discuss the potential impact of North Korea's troop dispatch. The meeting concluded that this move poses a serious security threat to South Korea and the international community.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been high, with North Korea increasing its missile tests and nuclear threats. The U. S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military exercises, which North Korea views as potential invasion preparations.

Zelenskyy warned that the involvement of a third nation could escalate the conflict into a global war. Ukrainian media earlier reported that six North Koreans were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike in Donetsk.

Experts had been skeptical about North Korea sending troops due to its focus on nuclear standoffs with the U. S. and South Korea. However, there have been speculations that North Korea might send technicians and engineers to support Russia’s use of North Korean weapons.

North Korea Sends Troops to Russia: A New Twist in Ukraine Conflict

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