North Korea sends Russia 12,000 soldiers to invade Ukraine, South Korea says

South Korea believes that North Korea has sent troops to Russia, which poses a serious threat to the security of the international community. Seoul is ready to respond with all available means.

Separately, South Korea's intelligence agency said that North Korea is participating in the war in Ukraine and has decided to send 12,000 soldiers, including a special forces unit.

Yonhap reported, citing its sources, that North Korea has decided to deploy 4 brigades, including a special forces unit, and that the movement of troops has already begun.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held an unscheduled security meeting with key intelligence, military, and national security officials to discuss the participation of North Korean troops in Russia's war against Ukraine.

South Korea's presidential office said that Seoul, along with its allies, had been closely monitoring the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia since the initial stages. However, it did not provide any intelligence information to confirm the deployment of troops or their participation in hostilities.

DPRK troops are already in Russia

In recent days, it has become known that North Korea is going to send troops to Ukraine. According to Western media, North Korean officers are already in the occupied territories of Ukraine.

According to the head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, about 11,000 North Korean troops will start fighting in Ukraine in November.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that North Korea is training a contingent in Russia. It is not only about infantry but also about other military personnel from other branches of the armed forces.

According to RBC-Ukraine's sources, Russia wants to create a separate Buryat battalion of North Korean soldiers.