North Korea has reportedly sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia to bolster Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine, according to South Korea’s military. This move signals Pyongyang’s continued military support for Russia as global leaders push for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Growing North Korean Military Support for Russia

The latest troop deployment, which occurred in January and February, adds to the approximately 11,000 North Korean troops already in Russia, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported. According to Seoul, about 4,000 of these soldiers have been either killed or injured in combat.

In addition to personnel, North Korea has provided a “significant amount” of short-range ballistic missiles, 170-millimeter self-propelled howitzers, and 240-millimeter multiple rocket launchers to Russia. South Korean officials warn that Pyongyang’s military contributions are likely to increase.

Kim Jong Un’s Russia Visit in the Works

The announcement of additional troops coincides with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko’s statement that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing for a visit to Russia. This visit would further solidify the growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

International Response and Ceasefire Negotiations

Meanwhile, European leaders and allies are gathering in Paris to discuss long-term aid for Ukraine and regional stability. The White House has been actively working to broker a ceasefire, recently securing an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure. However, Moscow has demanded the removal of sanctions on its banks and exports before fully committing to the deal.

Strengthening Russia-North Korea Alliance

Since signing a landmark defense pact last year, Russia and North Korea have deepened their security cooperation. The agreement ensures mutual military assistance if either nation is attacked.

Recent high-level meetings underscore this growing alliance. Russian Security Chief Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang last week, conveying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “warmest wishes” and reaffirming Russia’s commitment to their agreements.

North Korea’s Expanding Military Capabilities

U.S. intelligence suggests Russia may be providing North Korea with advanced space and satellite technology in exchange for its military support. North Korean soldiers were previously deployed to the Russian region of Kursk to help repel Ukrainian forces but withdrew in January after sustaining heavy casualties.

Additionally, North Korea has supplied Russia with thousands of shipping containers filled with munitions, and Russian forces have used North Korean-made missiles in attacks against Ukraine. Russian media also confirmed that North Korea has treated injured Russian soldiers in its medical facilities.

Economic and Humanitarian Exchanges

In return, Russia has supplied North Korea with coal, food, and medicine. Russian children whose parents died in the Ukraine war have even vacationed in North Korea, and both countries are expanding student exchange programs.

North Korea’s Advancements in Drone Technology

South Korea and the U.S. have expressed concerns that Russia-North Korea collaboration could accelerate Pyongyang’s development of advanced military technology. This week, Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of AI-powered attack drones, North Korean state media reported. Additionally, South Korean officials noted that North Korea has unveiled a new reconnaissance drone that may incorporate Russian technology.

Drones have played a critical role in the ongoing war, with Russian drone attacks on Ukraine surging from 379 in May 2024 to nearly 2,500 in November. Amid continued hostilities, Russian forces launched a massive drone strike on Kharkiv late Wednesday, injuring at least nine civilians and damaging infrastructure.

Conclusion

As the war continues, North Korea’s increasing military support for Russia is raising global concerns. While diplomatic efforts persist, the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang may further complicate peace negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest attacks, stating, “No country should have to go through this.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested in an interview that Russia may be stalling peace efforts, prolonging the conflict.