North Korean troops are fighting Russia’s Ukraine war, says South Korea

South Korea’s Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Tuesday said that North Korea is likely deploying its soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, potentially putting them in harm’s way.

“As Russia and North Korea have signed a mutual treaty akin to a military alliance, the possibility of such a deployment is highly likely,” a Politico report quoted South Korea’s defence chief as saying in the country’s parliament, adding that more of Pyongyang’s soldiers are likely to be deployed.

“The relations between Russia and North Korea are evolving to be almost as close as a military alliance,” he was quoted as saying.

“As such, more North Korean troops could be deployed in the war, from how we look at it,” he added.

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Russia and North Korea have strengthened their ties since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, culminating in a defence pact inked in June during President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the Asian nation in 25 years.

The agreement marks the most significant partnership between the two countries since the Cold War, outlining mutual military support in the event of an attack on either side.

The development has raised concerns in the West that North Korea may be supplying Moscow with munitions for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic aid and technology transfers.

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South Korea’s defence chief also confirmed reports from Ukrainian media indicating that North Korean soldiers have been killed by Ukrainian forces as they resist Putin’s aggression.

“We believe there have been injuries and fatalities among North Korean troops in Ukraine,” Politico quoted Kim Yong-hyun as saying.

Both Russia and Ukraine have used foreign fighters in their ranks as they face shortages of troops.

With inputs from agencies