South Korean Lawmaker
North Korea has reportedly supplied Russia with additional military equipment, including artillery and rocket launchers, to support its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker revealed on Wednesday.
According to Lee Seong-kweun, a member of South Korea’s parliamentary intelligence committee, the country’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed these shipments.
The arms include 170mm self-propelled artillery and 240mm long-range rocket launchers, which are not part of Russia’s usual military arsenal.
Furthermore, North Korea has reportedly sent personnel to Russia to provide maintenance for these weapons systems, showcasing a deepening military collaboration between the two nations.
The NIS also reported that some of the roughly 11,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia’s southwestern Kursk region have been integrated with Russian airborne and marine units.
These soldiers have undergone tactical training and participated in combat operations. Reports indicate that there have been casualties among the North Korean troops, highlighting the extent of their involvement in the conflict.
Despite these claims, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops.
Pyongyang has previously stated that any deployment of its forces would adhere to international law, though such assertions have not been independently verified.
The growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has become increasingly evident in recent months.
In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang for a rare meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during which the two leaders signed a defense agreement.
This meeting has fueled concerns about the implications of their alliance on regional and global stability.
South Korea, which has thus far refrained from providing lethal aid to Ukraine, is now reconsidering its stance.
Officials in Seoul have expressed alarm over North Korea’s escalating support for Russia and the potential consequences for South Korea’s own security and its role in the broader geopolitical landscape.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
