The deployment of North Korean soldiers to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine has sparked a strong response from U.S. and South Korean officials. South Korea's defense ministry revealed that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops are set to bolster Russia's military forces, including special forces, military engineers, and artillery units. The alarming new estimate follows reports that 3,000 North Korean troops have already arrived in eastern Russia, where they are being trained to support Moscow's war efforts.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed the U.S. assessment and warned that any North Korean soldiers who engage in combat would be "fair game" for Ukrainian forces. "There could be dead and wounded North Korean soldiers fighting against Ukraine," Kirby stated, underscoring the potential consequences of their involvement.
This development marks a significant escalation in North Korea's support for Russia, which had previously been limited to the provision of artillery shells and munitions. The introduction of North Korean boots on the ground in Ukraine adds a new layer of complexity to an already fraught conflict and raises concerns about the deepening military cooperation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun emphasized the gravity of the situation, telling lawmakers that the deployment is a "provocation that threatens the security of the Korean Peninsula." He suggested that Kim Jong Un is effectively "selling North Korean soldiers as cannon fodder mercenaries" to the Kremlin. In response, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed that his country "will not stand by and do nothing" in the face of this growing threat.
The decision to send troops comes at a critical time for both Russia and North Korea. With the war in Ukraine dragging on, Russia is in dire need of reinforcements. Meanwhile, Pyongyang stands to gain valuable battlefield experience and potentially secure military technology from Russia in exchange for its assistance. Both nations deny that an arms transfer has taken place, but intelligence reports suggest otherwise, with North Korean artillery shells already being found on Ukrainian soil.
While Russian officials have downplayed the reports, calling them "fake and hype," the South Korean defense ministry and U.S. intelligence agencies remain firm in their assessments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also confirmed that North Korea is preparing two brigades, each consisting of 6,000 soldiers, to join the conflict. Zelenskyy noted that these troops are expected to be ready for deployment by November 1, fueling concerns about their potential impact on the battlefield.
Integrating North Korean soldiers into the Russian military is likely to pose challenges, particularly given the language barrier and the relative inexperience of many North Korean troops. However, the prospect of these soldiers returning to North Korea with enhanced military skills is a troubling one for South Korea and other nations in the region. "This is not just about Ukraine; it's a broader security issue for the Korean Peninsula," a South Korean official told NBC News.
The presence of North Korean troops on the front lines would further solidify the growing military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, a relationship that has intensified in recent months. During a high-profile summit in June, Kim and Putin reportedly discussed expanding military cooperation, though specifics were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has responded to North Korea's involvement by ramping up support for Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced a new $400 million aid package during his visit to Kyiv, which includes advanced weaponry and military equipment. Austin also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to backing Ukraine for "as long as it takes" to win the war.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers could lead to new tensions on the Korean Peninsula, where South Korea has so far limited its involvement to providing non-lethal aid to Ukraine. However, President Yoon hinted that this stance could change if North Korean troops become actively engaged in combat. Yoon's administration is now considering the possibility of sending both defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine, a significant shift in policy that could have broader geopolitical implications.
China, which shares borders with both Russia and North Korea, has remained relatively quiet on the issue. When asked about North Korea's potential involvement in the war, Chinese officials stated they were "not aware of the situation" and reiterated calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Beijing has been accused of indirectly aiding Russia by allowing Chinese companies to supply parts for Russian attack drones, a claim the Chinese government has denied.
