Washington:North Korea is gaining valuable experience in troop deployment and sustaining military operations over long distances through its involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, according to the commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. Gen. Xavier Brunson made these remarks during a dialogue hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He highlighted the military benefits Pyongyang has gained by deploying troops and supplying weapons to support Moscow in the conflict.

Brunson explained that North Korea has learned to move personnel, weapons, and equipment from its territory to Russia, establishing supply lines to support the Russian war effort. He emphasized that North Korea's military has gained experience in strategic movement, mobilization, and logistics, enhancing its capabilities beyond battlefield tactics.

The commander warned that the incorporation of battlefield experiences into North Korea's military forces presents new challenges for South Korea and the United States in maintaining deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, he noted the receipt of military equipment by North Korea from Russia, including electronic warfare jammers, as part of their support agreement.

In June 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, under which North Korea has deployed troops and provided conventional weapons to support Russia's war with Ukraine.

Discussing the potential transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul, Brunson reiterated his support for a conditions-based transition, stressing the importance of meeting agreed military requirements before proceeding. He expressed willingness to execute orders but cautioned about the risks of doing so without securing necessary capabilities.

Brunson also praised South Korea's defense industry for its advanced manufacturing capabilities. He proposed the potential for greater cooperation in maintaining and repairing U.S. military equipment in the region, suggesting the development of a regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul hub leveraging South Korean industrial capabilities to support U.S. military operations across the Indo-Pacific.