Official announcements from South Korean or Russian government sources, or major international news outlets

North Korea Sends 1,500 Elite Troops to Russia; Seoul Summons Envoy, NATO Warns

Oct 20, 2024, 11:06 PM

South Korean intelligence and media report that North Korea has begun sending troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, with about 1,500 soldiers already transported using four landing ships and three escort vessels belonging to Russia. The deployment began on October 8, and satellite images from South Korea confirm the movement of troops. The total number of North Korean troops is expected to reach up to 12,000, including elite Special Operations Forces. Videos have emerged showing North Korean soldiers receiving Russian uniforms and equipment at training grounds in Russia's Far East, including Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk, and Blagoveshchensk. The North Korean soldiers are reportedly preparing to enter the war to protect Russia's borders. Ukraine and South Korea have expressed deep concern over this development, viewing it as a significant escalation in the conflict. South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has confirmed the troop movements, and the government has summoned Russia's top envoy to Seoul to protest and demand the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops. South Korea plans to send a delegation to NATO to share information on the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged international partners to respond to what he calls a 'criminal alliance,' seeking a 'strong reaction' from allies. NATO chief Mark Rutte has also warned that North Korea's deployment of troops to Ukraine would be a significant escalation. Russia has responded by stating that its cooperation with North Korea is within international law, is its sovereign right, and is not directed against any country's security interests.