Most are teenagers: South Korea announces new data on DPRK soldiers in Russia
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
North Korean soldiers sent to the Russian Federation are mostly around 20 years old, with some reportedly being teenagers, according to South Korean intelligence.
According to South Korea's intelligence, North Korean forces deployed in Russia largely consist of young individuals under the age of 20, with some even in their teens.
"Their combat capabilities should not be underestimated, as they have already completed basic combat training as part of an ‘assault corps.’ However, the combat readiness of soldiers unfamiliar with the characteristics of modern warfare, such as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, remains uncertain," the report says.
South Korean intelligence highlighted that this marks the first instance of North Korean military forces being deployed abroad for active combat, presenting a unique opportunity to assess their capabilities.
"We will consider all measures necessary to ensure national security and will consult with the Ukrainian side," the agency writes.
North Korean soldiers in Russia
In early October, it was reported that North Korea had sent its soldiers to Russia to support the war against Ukraine, with Russian forces deploying them in the Kursk region.
Today, media sources reported that Ukrainian artillery has already carried out several strikes on buildings in the Kursk region, where North Korean soldiers are reportedly stationed.
