North Korea Deploys Troops to Support Russia

Approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia to undergo military training, with an expected total of 10,000 by December, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The troops, transported between October 8-13, are reportedly receiving basic combat training at various military facilities in Russia. U.S. officials, including National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, expressed concern over the possibility of these soldiers participating in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which would make them legitimate targets for Ukrainian forces. The NIS indicated that Russian military instructors view North Korean soldiers as physically capable yet lacking in modern warfare understanding, predicting heavy casualties. Furthermore, North Korea has relocated the families of these soldiers for privacy and control, and discussions between North Korea and Russia regarding this troop deployment reportedly began after a defense pact was signed in June. The situation reflects a growing military alliance as both nations seek to support each other amid international tensions.