SEOUL: North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been assigned to Moscow’s airborne brigade and marine corps, with some soldiers already engaging in combat, South Korea’s spy agency disclosed to lawmakers on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) shared this assessment during a closed-door meeting of the parliamentary Intelligence Committee, as reported by People Power Party Rep. Lee Seong-kweun and Democratic Party Rep. Park Sun-won. The NIS revealed that approximately 11,000 troops were relocated to Kursk in late October after completing local adjustment training in northeastern Russia.

The NIS further explained that while some of these troops are undergoing training in tactics and drone response, others have already participated in combat. The agency also mentioned that North Korean troops who have entered combat might have suffered casualties or wounds, with efforts ongoing to ascertain the details of the combat circumstances and the extent of the damage.

Seoul and Washington have previously indicated that North Korean troops, dispatched to Russia’s western front-line Kursk region, have commenced combat operations against Ukrainian forces. This development has raised concerns about potentially broadening the war and impacting security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

The NIS also confirmed North Korea’s exports of long-range artillery to Russia, including 170 mm self-propelled howitzers and 240 mm multiple rocket launchers. Prior reports had already indicated that North Korea shipped artillery shells and short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

Additionally, the spy agency highlighted a significant meeting between North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Choe’s visit to Russia in early November. The NIS noted that the meeting was likely more than a courtesy call, suggesting a deepening relationship between the two nations as North Korea supports Russia in its conflict against Ukraine.

The NIS also suggest
ed the possibility of a future visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia, signaling further strengthening of ties between the two countries.