North Korea has sent an additional 3,500 soldiers to Russia for military training, raising concerns about a potential third troop deployment to support Russia in Ukraine. Around 1,500 North Koreans are already on the front lines in Kursk. Reports on casualties and training practices have emerged from intelligence briefings, indicating the intensity of North Korean military involvement in the conflict.
North Korea has dispatched an additional 3,500 soldiers to Russia’s Far East for military training, as reported by South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon. These troops are undergoing field adaptation training at five military sites. The statement suggests a potential third wave of North Korean troop deployments to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
Following a recent visit to Kyiv where he was briefed by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine’s defense intelligence, Rep. Yu acknowledged the presence of approximately 1,500 North Korean troops already on the front lines. He noted that these soldiers had been deployed to near the Kursk region after completing their adaptation training.
North Korea has previously sent around 11,000 troops to Russia, with additional forces being dispatched from January to February of this year. Rep. Yu stated that Ukraine’s intelligence indicated about 400 North Korean casualties, with an estimated 3,600 injuries, and noted the stark disparity between captured prisoners of war and the number of wounded soldiers.
Yu remarked on the unique characteristics of North Korean soldiers, specifically their combat abilities said to be equivalent to ten Russian soldiers, attributed to their rigorous training and high endurance. He conveyed that further troop deployments were anticipated to replenish forces currently engaged in combat.
Finally, the lawmaker revealed insights from a North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces, who detailed the intense physical training regimen imposed on North Korean troops, highlighting their dedication during training exercises and the rigorous demands placed upon them.
In summary, North Korea continues to bolster its military support for Russia by sending additional troops for training and active deployment in Ukraine. Reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are not only numerous but also undergoing extensive training, suggesting a commitment to assist in the conflict. The situation remains dynamic, with further troop deployments likely as the conflict continues to evolve.
Original Source: news.az
