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Russia May Launch Summer Ukraine Offensive With North Korean Troop Support, South Korean Intel
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
Russia may be preparing to launch a major new offensive against Ukraine this summer, with possible support from North Korean troops, according to a report from Sky News, citing South Korean intelligence.
Sky News reports that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned of the potential assault during a closed-door briefing for lawmakers. South Korean Member of Parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters that the NIS believes Russia could mount a large-scale attack on Ukraine as early as July or August.
According to Sky News, the NIS stated that North Korea has already started recruiting soldiers for deployment to Russia. The agency reportedly estimates that around 6,000 additional North Korean military personnel could be sent to assist Russia during this time frame.
This development follows a recent visit to Pyongyang by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. At that meeting, it is believed Kim agreed to send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military construction workers to help rebuild Russia’s Kursk region—which was invaded by Ukrainian forces last year.
According to the report, Russian troops were only able to push back the Ukrainian advance with the help of North Korean combat soldiers.
Sky News notes that this cooperation is part of a broader pattern. South Korean, American, and Ukrainian officials believe North Korea sent around 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia last autumn. In addition, South Korea has said that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 more North Korean soldiers were deployed to Russia earlier this year.
Previously, it was reported that North Korea has launched two of its most advanced warships in record time—likely with help from Russia, according to defense analysts.
