South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reported that about 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia so far, expecting a total of 10,0000 to be sent by December. They also anticipate that North Korea plans to deploy a total of about 10,000 troops by December.
The NIS reported the details during a closed briefing at the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. According to committee spokespersons Lee Seong Geun of the People Power Party and Park Seon Won of the Democratic Party, the NIS indicated, “It appears that an additional 1,500 troops have been dispatched (to Russia), bringing the total estimate to about 3,000. The deployment of approximately 10,000 troops, as Russia and North Korea have planned, is expected to be completed by December.”
The NIS believes that discussions regarding troop deployment commenced after North Korea and Russia signed a new treaty (Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty) in June. Article 4 of this treaty stipulates that the other will provide immediate military assistance if either country is invaded.
NIS analyzed the motivations for the deployment, which include solidifying the North Korea-Russia military alliance, encouraging Russian intervention in Korea during emergencies, seeking solutions to economic challenges, and addressing the need for military modernization.
NIS also anticipates North Korea receiving economic compensation for the troop deployment, although the exact amount or scale remains unclear.
Regarding the deployed units, the NIS reported, “The so-called elite 11th Corps, known as the Storm Corps special operations unit, is the main force of the deployment. It appears to be adapting to local conditions while stationed at various Russian training facilities.”
Furthermore, the NIS noted internal developments in Russia, stating, “We have confirmed that the Russian military is actively recruiting a large number of Korean interpreters and providing special training to North Korean troops on military equipment and drone operation.”
Regarding the situation within North Korea, the NIS reported, “There seems to be growing concerns about the deployment. While North Korean authorities are not disclosing any related information internally, rumors about the Storm Corps being sent to Russia have been circulating among residents.”
They added, “There are even reports of families of the selected soldiers being deeply distressed. In response, North Korean authorities appear to be implementing strict measures such as forced group relocations and isolation to prevent information leaks and effectively control the families of deployed soldiers.”
