North Korea Readies More Russia Troops, No Imminent Move: Seoul — SkimNews
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- South Korea's Defence Ministry told lawmaker Yu Yong-weon that North Korea was continuing preparations for additional troop deployments to Russia but had detected no signs such a move was imminent
- Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, denied Ukrainian President Zelensky's claim that Pyongyang planned to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia to fight alongside Moscow's forces
- North Korea continued supplying Russia with weapons systems including short-range ballistic missiles and more than 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition, measured in 152mm shell equivalents
- South Korea's Defence Intelligence Agency assessed that North Korean missiles used in the Ukraine war may have improved in accuracy through battlefield data, alongside Russian technical advice and component support
- Seoul said North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers assessed as intended for use in a conflict with South Korea were nearing completion, with the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile — capable of reaching Guam — being prepared for operational deployment
- The ministry noted North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles have the flight capability to reach the US mainland, but key technologies including warhead re-entry remain unverified because all test launches used lofted high-angle trajectories
- North Korea and Russia have deepened military cooperation since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Pyongyang supplying artillery ammunition and missiles since 2023 and deploying troops from 2024 — though both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied arms transfers
Why it matters: Seoul's intelligence assessment says North Korean missiles may have gained accuracy improvements through real battlefield data and Russian technical assistance, meaning Pyongyang is extracting combat-tested upgrades from the Ukraine war that directly threaten South Korea and US territory like Guam. Combined with 15 million artillery rounds already supplied and weapons nearing completion, North Korea is converting its role as Russia's munitions source into a force-multiplier for its own regional deterrent — while both capitals still officially deny any arms transfers.
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