Seoul – The South Korean Defence Ministry announced on Thursday that North Korea is still preparing to send more troops to Russia, but officials see no sign that such a deployment will happen soon. The assessment was relayed by the office of lawmaker Yu Yong‑weon after a briefing from the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Continued weapons support
The ministry said Pyongyang is still supplying Russia with a range of weapons systems, including short‑range ballistic missiles. South Korean officials estimate that more than 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition, measured in 152‑millimetre shell equivalents, have already been delivered to Moscow.
Potential missile improvements
According to the intelligence report, North Korean missiles used in the Ukraine conflict may have become more accurate thanks to battlefield data, Russian technical advice, and component support. The ministry also noted that development of certain North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple‑rocket launchers, which are believed to be intended for use against South Korea, is nearing completion.
Hwasong‑12 and ICBM readiness
South Korean officials said the Hwasong‑12 intermediate‑range ballistic missile, capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam, is being prepared for operational deployment. While North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missiles have the range to strike the U.S. mainland, the ministry said key technologies such as warhead re‑entry have not yet been verified because all test launches have been conducted on lofted trajectories.
Context of the alliance
North Korea and Russia have deepened military cooperation since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Pyongyang began supplying artillery ammunition and missiles in 2023 and started deploying troops to Russia in 2024, according to assessments from South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied the existence of formal arms transfers.
Official denial of large‑scale troop plans
Last week, Kim Yo‑jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s claim that Pyongyang intended to send up to 50,000 additional troops to Russia. The South Korean Defence Ministry’s latest statement underscores that while preparations continue, there is no evidence of an imminent move.
The ministry’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns in the region about North Korea’s expanding missile capabilities and its growing partnership with Russia. Seoul has warned that any further escalation could threaten regional stability and the security of U.S. allies in the Indo‑Pacific.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
