North Korea Set to Triple Troops Sent to Russia

North Korea is preparing to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, tripling its current deployment and signaling a significant escalation. Western and Ukrainian intelligence indicate these reinforcements could arrive within months, following the earlier deployment of around 11,000 North Korean soldiers last fall, of whom about 4,000 have been killed or wounded. The Russian Ministry of Defense is reportedly ready to equip and integrate these troops into combat units for major operations in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions. Satellite imagery and reports of retrofitted Russian aircraft and troop movements at key ports and airports suggest deployment preparations are underway. Recent defense agreements between Moscow and Pyongyang have raised international concerns about sensitive technology transfers and regional security. South Korea, the U.S., and allies are especially concerned that Russia’s support may enhance North Korea’s nuclear and military capabilities.