North Korea Increases Military Support to Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

SEOUL — South Korea’s military has reported that North Korea deployed an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia in early 2024 while continuing to supply missiles, artillery, and ammunition to bolster Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, its alliance with North Korea has strengthened, leading to accusations from Seoul that Pyongyang has been providing military support, including troops and weaponry, to aid Moscow. While neither Russia nor North Korea has officially acknowledged the deployment of troops, both nations signed a comprehensive military agreement last year, featuring a mutual defense clause during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea.

Thousands of North Korean Troops Sent to Russia

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), an estimated 3,000 additional North Korean troops were deployed between January and February 2024. This comes after an initial deployment of 11,000 soldiers, with reports suggesting that around 4,000 of them have been either killed or wounded in the conflict.

Beyond manpower, North Korea continues to provide significant military supplies to Russia. The JCS report states that Pyongyang has delivered short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), approximately 220 units of 170mm self-propelled guns, and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. Military officials caution that these numbers could escalate depending on battlefield conditions.

North Korea's Advancements in Drone Technology

North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un recently oversaw tests of new military drones equipped with artificial intelligence technology. The country showcased both reconnaissance and suicide drones, emphasizing their strategic significance.

The reconnaissance drone is designed to monitor military activities on land and sea, while the suicide drones demonstrated their ability to carry out tactical attack missions. Kim expressed satisfaction with the performance of these unmanned weapons and approved plans to expand their production capacity.

North Korea initially unveiled its attack drones in August 2023, and experts suggest that its growing alliance with Russia may have contributed to advancements in drone warfare. Analysts believe that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia could be gaining valuable combat experience and insights into modern battlefield technology, particularly regarding drone deployment.

Strategic Motivations Behind Military Support

According to Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, Pyongyang’s focus on unmanned weaponry aligns with its five-year defense development plan. The country is reportedly accelerating drone production in response to perceived threats, including allegations that South Korea deployed drones over Pyongyang—claims that Seoul’s Ministry of Defense has denied.

Additionally, experts speculate that North Korea's military collaboration with Russia could grant Pyongyang access to advanced military technology. Given Russia’s established capabilities, this partnership may serve North Korea’s long-term goal of enhancing its defense systems.

Growing Military Ties and Global Implications

This latest development follows Kim Jong Un’s directive in late 2023 to mass-produce attack drones capable of delivering explosive payloads and functioning as guided missiles. Pyongyang has also demonstrated its ability to send drones across the border into South Korea, as seen in 2022 when Seoul's military failed to intercept them due to their small size.

The deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia raises concerns about regional security and the potential for further escalations in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As Pyongyang continues to expand its military capabilities, global powers are closely monitoring the implications of this alliance and its impact on international stability.