Official announcements from North Korean or Russian governments, or credible international news agencies

South Korea Monitors North Korean Troop Deployment of 12,000 to Russia, Calls It 'Grave Security Threat'

Oct 18, 2024, 10:24 AM

South Korea is closely monitoring reports that North Korea is sending military personnel to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated on October 16 that it is 'closely' monitoring indications that North Korean troops are directly supporting Russia's war effort in Ukraine amid reports that the Russian military is training North Korean soldiers. South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol held an emergency security meeting on October 18, considering North Korea's dispatch of soldiers to Russia a 'grave security threat'. South Korean intelligence reports that North Korea has dispatched 12,000 troops, including special operation forces, to support Russia. The South Korean presidential office has called this a 'serious security threat' to both the country and the international community. South Korea is also backing Ukraine's claim that North Korean troops are being dispatched to fight alongside the Russian army in Ukraine.