North Korea has sent around 200 long-range artillery pieces to Russia and may continue supplying more troops and weapons in support of the war against Ukraine, according to a report from South Korea’s Ministry of Defense on Tuesday.
This assessment comes after South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimated that North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to Russian territory. It is believed that, among them, around 300 have died and about 2,700 have been injured.
“North Korea has provided around 11,000 soldiers, missiles, 200 long-range artillery pieces, and a substantial amount of ammunition, and there is a possibility that it may supply additional troops, weapons, and ammunition in the future,” the ministry stated in a briefing before the parliamentary defense committee.
The ministry also highlighted that North Korea is expected to ramp up its weapons development this year, as it marks the final year of its five-year plan to develop advanced weaponry. Key projects include nuclear-powered submarines, spy satellites, and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Additionally, the ministry raised the possibility that Pyongyang may receive technological assistance from Moscow in exchange for its military support. Specifically, it mentioned the potential transfer of technology for nuclear-powered submarines and atmospheric reentry systems for ICBMs.
Regarding its relationship with the United States, the ministry stated that North Korea appears to be seeking favorable conditions for future negotiations with Washington by intensifying its aggressive rhetoric and engaging in military provocations.
So far, Pyongyang has not responded to recent comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump about his willingness to resume dialogue with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission. Instead, the regime has conducted new missile tests and revealed Kim’s visit to a nuclear material production facility, according to the South Korean ministry’s report.
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