South Korea Releases Satellite Images Allegedly Showing North Korean Troops in Russia
The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has released satellite images that reportedly show North Korean (DPRK) troops stationed at Russia’s Sergeevka training ground in Primorsky Krai, near Vladivostok, and at a military facility in Khabarovsk. Additional DPRK contingents are said to be positioned at Blagoveshchensk. Prior to their deployment, these troops were reportedly trained in North Korea under the direct supervision of Kim Jong-un.
One image allegedly shows around 400 North Korean soldiers at a military facility in Ussuriysk, while another purportedly depicts 240 soldiers training in Khabarovsk. Both photos, dated October 16, offer no direct evidence of DPRK presence.
It is claimed that approximately 1,500 North Korean special forces were initially sent to Russia, with the total number reportedly set to rise to 12,000 soldiers in subsequent deployments. If true, this signals a deepening of the strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea.
Some reports, though unverified, suggest that the DPRK troops are being trained and equipped with Russian military gear, including uniforms and potentially fake identification, to integrate with Russian forces.
Potential Impact
If DPRK troops are indeed being deployed and trained at Russian military facilities, their presence could significantly impact the ongoing conflict, depending on how Russia uses them. It is likely that Russia would keep these troops as reserves rather than deploying them to the front lines.
Deterring NATO
Russia has maintained a restrained intensity in its Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, avoiding the full use of its military power to deter NATO from intervening. By deploying DPRK troops, Russia could strengthen its reserves without the need for additional Russian mobilization, preserving its military capabilities for potential conflicts with NATO.
Non-Combat Roles for DPRK Troops
DPRK troops could be stationed at military facilities across Russia to free up Russian soldiers for combat, while avoiding further mobilization, which could negatively impact Russia’s manufacturing sector and economy.
Given Russia’s long borders and its need to defend against multiple potential adversaries, the deployment of DPRK troops could help maintain Russia’s security posture.
Long Training Period
It is assumed that North Korean troops would require extensive training before being deployed in direct combat roles. This process could take at least a year, involving training with Russian firearms, battlefield communication systems, and adapting to local terrain and weather. Language training would also be crucial for coordination with Russian forces.
No Immediate Escalation
Even if these reports are true, the presence of DPRK troops in Russia does not indicate an immediate escalation. Their current role appears less provocative than the involvement of U.S. and NATO personnel assisting Ukraine. Similar to Russia’s response to French officials hinting at a possible deployment of troops to Ukraine, this move could be seen as symmetrical.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK seems comparable to the 1971 Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty, which deterred Chinese or U.S. intervention during the Bangladesh liberation war. In this case, the partnership may be aimed at deterring NATO intervention in Ukraine. It is unlikely that DPRK troops are involved solely for combat experience; a broader security agreement likely exists between the two nations.
As Ukrainian forces face mounting challenges, NATO and the U.S. are under pressure to prevent Ukraine from losing. Russia’s training of DPRK troops for combat may serve as a deterrent against further escalation by the West.
