Russia has provided North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and air-defense equipment, a senior South Korean official revealed. This move follows North Korea’s decision to send troops to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Shin Won-sik, director of South Korea’s Office of National Security, discussed the matter on Friday, confirming that Russia has bolstered North Korea’s air defense capabilities in exchange for military support.
According to Yonhap, Shin explained that the aid included anti-air missiles and equipment aimed at reinforcing North Korea’s vulnerable air defense system.
Shin also noted that, following North Korea’s failed military satellite launch on May 27, Russia had extended its support to Pyongyang, which reportedly included satellite technology and possibly economic assistance.
According to a South Korean lawmaker, approximately 10,900 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces recently launched a military offensive in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Some of these North Korean troops have participated in front-line combat and supplied weapons to Russian forces, including self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking before the European Parliament on the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion, referenced reports suggesting that North Korea might eventually send up to 100,000 troops to assist Russia and called on European nations to increase military support for Ukraine.