**North Korea to Send Thousands of Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine War**
In a significant escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, North Korea is reportedly preparing to send up to 30,000 soldiers to join Russian forces fighting against Ukraine. This move was revealed by CNN on July 2, citing undisclosed Ukrainian officials.
According to sources, these fresh units may arrive in the coming months and are likely to be engaged in combat in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including during “large-scale offensive operations.” The news underscores North Korea’s growing involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
**North Korea’s Initial Deployment**
Last year, North Korea initially dispatched around 11,000 soldiers to Russia to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Unfortunately, these troops suffered between 4,000 and 6,000 casualties during this deployment. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has also noted signs that Russian military aircraft are being refitted to transport North Korean troops from their homeland across Russia’s Siberia.
**Estimates Vary**
While estimates of the number of additional soldiers to be sent by North Korea vary, Ukrainian officials believe that up to 30,000 troops may join Russian forces. In contrast, South Korea’s intelligence expects Pyongyang to send around 15,000 soldiers as early as July or August. However, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu recently announced that North Korea would send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military engineers to Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
**North Korea’s Aid to Russia**
Pyongyang’s assistance to Russia has not been limited to troops alone. North Korea is also a key source of artillery shells and ballistic missiles for Russian forces. In fact, the two countries have signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which commits them to provide aid to each other if either country is attacked.
**Wider Implications**
The deployment of these fresh units will likely have significant implications for the conflict in Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean troops may lead to increased violence and instability on the ground. Furthermore, this move highlights the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, which are likely to continue to have far-reaching consequences for regional security.
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For more information on this developing story, visit [kyivindependent.com](http://kyivindependent.com).
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