South Korea confirms North Korea deployed 5,000 construction troops to Russia for infrastructure reconstruction, with thousands more fighting in Ukraine.
SEOUL: North Korea has dispatched approximately 5,000 construction troops to Russia since September to assist with infrastructure reconstruction.
South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun revealed the deployment following a briefing by Seoul’s spy agency.
He stated that “around 5,000 North Korean construction troops have been moving to Russia in phases since September and are expected to be mobilised for infrastructure reconstruction.”
The lawmaker added that authorities have detected continued signs of training and personnel selection for additional troop deployments.
South Korea’s spy agency estimates about 10,000 North Korean troops are currently deployed near the Russia-Ukraine border.
At least 600 North Korean soldiers have died in the Ukraine war, with thousands more sustaining injuries according to South Korean estimates.
Analysts say North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies from Russia in return for sending troops.
This support has allowed Pyongyang to sidestep tough international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been emboldened by the Ukraine war, securing critical support from Moscow.
Pyongyang did not respond to former US President Donald Trump’s recent offer to meet with Kim.
Instead, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Moscow, where she and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to strengthen bilateral ties.
Lee said Seoul’s spy agency believes Kim remains open to talks with Washington “and will seek contact when the conditions are in place.”
The lawmaker noted that “multiple signs suggest” Pyongyang had been preparing behind the scenes for possible talks with the US.
An international sanctions monitoring group reported last month that North Korea plans to send 40,000 labourers to Russia, including IT workers.
Under UN sanctions, North Korean workers are prohibited from earning money abroad. – AFP
