South Korea's Spy Agency Confirms Deployment of North Korean Special Forces to Russia for Ukraine Conflict

North Korea has sent 1,500 special forces troops to Russia’s far east for training and acclimatization, and they are likely to be deployed for combat in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The intelligence agency, working with Ukraine's intelligence service, has used facial recognition AI to identify North Korean officers in Ukraine's Donetsk region. These officers are reportedly assisting Russian forces in firing North Korean missiles.

The NIS revealed that since August 2023, North Korea has shipped over 13,000 containers filled with artillery rounds, ballistic missiles, and anti-tank rockets to Russia. The total shipment includes more than eight million rounds of artillery and rockets, confirming the direct military collaboration between North Korea and Russia. The South Korean agency based its findings on remnants of weapons recovered from the frontlines in Ukraine.

In response to these developments, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held an emergency security meeting with top intelligence, military, and national security officials. The meeting addressed the security threat posed by the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia. The President's office stressed the seriousness of the situation, highlighting that the deployment of North Korean troops represents a significant escalation in the conflict.

South Korea, which has become a key global arms exporter, has so far resisted providing lethal aid to Ukraine, despite calls from some Western allies, including the United States. Meanwhile, the U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman, Mike Turner, has requested a classified briefing from President Biden following the report, emphasizing the need for a swift response from NATO and the U.S. to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

Russia’s Pacific Fleet was detected moving North Korean special forces to Vladivostok from October 8 to 13, with more troops expected to be dispatched soon. The troops have been outfitted with Russian military gear and fake identification documents, preparing them for combat deployment.