Wed Nov 20 06:00:09 UTC 2024: ## South Korea: North Korea Sending More Weapons, Troops to Russia
**Seoul, South Korea (November 20, 2024)** – North Korea has sent additional artillery and rocket launchers to Russia to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker revealed today. Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, cited a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirming the shipment of 170mm self-propelled artillery and 240mm long-range rocket launchers.
The NIS also confirmed that North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to Russia’s western Kursk region, some of whom are reportedly engaged in combat alongside Russian airborne and marine units. These troops have received tactical training and, according to the NIS, have suffered casualties. Pyongyang has also sent personnel to maintain and repair the supplied weapons, which are not part of Russia’s standard arsenal.
Neither North Korea nor Russia has publicly acknowledged the troop deployment or weapons transfers. However, North Korea stated last month that any such deployments would be in accordance with international law. The escalating military cooperation between the two nations follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June, where a mutual defense agreement was signed.
The revelation comes amidst growing concerns regarding North Korea’s increased production and testing of artillery and cruise missiles, which analysts suggest may be intended for further shipments to Russia. South Korea, which has previously resisted sending lethal aid to Ukraine, may reconsider its policy in light of North Korea’s direct military involvement in the conflict.
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