Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
North Korea has reportedly sent thousands more soldiers to Russia, marking a deepening of military cooperation between the two countries, according to South Korean intelligence officials.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers that Pyongyang has dispatched about 5,000 military personnel to Russia since September to take part in reconstruction projects.
Another 1,000 North Korean engineers have been sent to assist with mine clearance operations, Yonhap news agency reported, citing members of the parliamentary intelligence committee.
The NIS added that nearly 10,000 North Korean troops are currently positioned near the Russian-Ukrainian border, where they are performing guard duties.
Expanding cooperation
This latest report underscores the growing military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, which has intensified since last year.
South Korean intelligence estimates that North Korea has now deployed roughly 15,000 soldiers in total to support Russia amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Officials also say that North Korea has been providing Russia with large quantities of ammunition and artillery shells, a move that has drawn concern from Western nations monitoring potential violations of international sanctions.
But additional North Korean troops for Russia wasn’t the only news that raised eyebrows.
Kim eyes meeting with Trump
According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), there is “a high possibility” that North Korea and the United States could hold talks sometime next year if conditions improve.
The assessment was shared by opposition lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon, who serves as secretary for the national assembly’s intelligence committee.
Lee said the NIS concluded that Kim “has the intent to pursue dialogue with the United States and will seek contact if conditions become favorable.”
He added that the North Korean leader appears to be moderating his public tone in anticipation of possible negotiations.
Possible timing
Lee noted that any summit could take place after joint U.S.–South Korea military exercises scheduled for March.
North Korea has long denounced these drills as invasion rehearsals, a claim Washington and Seoul deny.
The NIS, Lee said, believes Pyongyang is “preparing behind the scenes for dialogue with the United States.”
A White House official, however, said there were “no meetings to announce at this time,” emphasizing that “U.S. policy on North Korea has not changed. President Trump remains open to talking with Kim Jong Un, without any preconditions.”
Sources: Yonhap, Reuters, AP, NBC News
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
