Russia has supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and air defense systems in exchange for sending thousands of troops to support the war against Ukraine. This was stated on Friday by Shin Won-sik, head of South Korea's National Security Office.
The U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine claim that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia to fight against Ukraine, raising speculation about what Pyongyang will receive in return.
Shin Won-sik also added that Russia has provided economic assistance to North Korea. Western sources assert that over the past eight months, Russia has delivered one million barrels of oil to the DPRK.
Earlier, Seoul reported that North Korea had sent at least 13,000 containers of artillery weapons, as well as missiles and other conventional arms to Russia.
South Korea has expressed concerns that Russia may provide North Korea with sensitive nuclear and missile technologies, enabling Pyongyang to expand its nuclear program in exchange for Moscow's assistance in manpower.
Expansion of Cooperation
The presence of North Korean troops in Russia fighting on its behalf has raised fears that the war in Ukraine could escalate.
The U.S. previously confirmed that North Korean forces have been deployed to the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an unexpected invasion in early August.
If North Korean soldiers enter Ukrainian territory, it would mark the first instance of direct involvement by a third country in the war. Western nations consistently provide weapons and assistance to Ukraine but do not send troops there.
RelatedNATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated in October that the presence of North Korean troops signifies a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict.
He added that Russia's dependence on foreign support is a sign of its growing desperation, as tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have died on the front lines over the past two and a half years.
This month, North Korea also ratified a landmark defense pact with Russia: the parties promised to provide mutual military assistance in the event of an attack, a move that some observers believe indicates that the DPRK may officially enter the war soon.