South Korea says North Korean soldiers fighting Ukraine forces

North Korean soldiers have been actively involved in combat operations in Ukraine, fighting alongside their Russian allies, according to a statement released by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) on Wednesday.

The confirmation comes amid increasing international concern over the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly as Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

The NIS revealed that North Korean troops were deployed to Russia’s Kursk region over the past two weeks to bolster Russian forces fighting against Ukraine.

“The North Korean troops, who were sent to Russia, have now been fully deployed and are actively participating in combat operations,” the statement said.

The move is seen as a significant escalation in the strengthening of military ties between the two countries, which has raised alarm among global powers.

On Tuesday, North Korean state media reported that Pyongyang had officially ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, first signed in June 2023 by the leaders of the two nations.

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The treaty commits both countries to provide military support to each other in the event of an armed attack.

The growing alliance between Russia and North Korea comes amid broader international tensions and has prompted criticism from NATO and its partners, particularly as both countries deepen their military collaboration.

The NIS statement follows earlier reports indicating that North Korea has been supplying Russia with artillery shells and other military supplies as part of this growing defense partnership.

This latest development is expected to further escalate concerns about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as the expanding influence of North Korea and Russia in the global security landscape.