Thousands of troops, missiles, and shells: North Korea increases support for Putin

According to South Korean military officials, North Korea sent another 3,000 soldiers to Russia in January and February. North Korea is also supplying more missiles, artillery equipment, and ammunition to assist Russia. In addition, the country may increase its arms shipments depending on the military situation.

In particular, the military equipment sent by North Korea to Russia includes a "considerable amount" of short-range ballistic missiles, 170-mm self-propelled howitzers, and about 220 units of 240-mm multiple rocket launchers.

North Korea has deployed around 11,000 troops to take part in the war against Ukraine, marking its first involvement in a large-scale conflict since the Korean War (1950–1953). According to estimates by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, around 4,000 of these troops have been killed or wounded.

Previously, South Korea's National Intelligence Service linked North Korea's high casualties to difficulties in adapting to drones and other elements of modern warfare. North Korean troops are further disadvantaged by the crude tactics of their Russian commanders, who have reportedly sent them into assaults without rear-fire support.

However, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials estimate that North Korean forces are gaining valuable combat experience and playing a crucial role in Russia's war strategy, deploying large numbers of troops in battles in the Kursk region.

The South Korean military report was released after North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his unwavering support for Russia's war against Ukraine during a meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu last week in Pyongyang. State media reported that Kim and Shoigu confirmed their commitment to upholding the major mutual defense treaty signed last year.