South Korean Intelligence Confirms North Korea Deploying 12,000 Troops to Fight in Ukraine

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that North Korea decided to deploy a significant number of troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, raising concerns about escalating military cooperation between the two nations, South Korean outlet Yonhap reported on October 18.

According to the NIS, North Korea has already begun mobilizing forces, including four brigades totaling 12,000 soldiers, which will likely include special forces.

This marks North Korea’s first major deployment of ground troops in support of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

The NIS’s report followed an emergency security meeting called by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in response to rising concerns over potential North Korean military activities.

An NIS official confirmed that the troop deployment “has already begun,” adding to the concerns of further deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate chief Kyrylo Budanov said that nearly 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently training in eastern Russia to prepare for deployment to Ukraine.