More than 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia for Ukraine war: South Korea
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a state reception in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL – More than 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia to support its war against Ukraine,
The remarks came hours after the US Pentagon said that there were at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk, near the Ukraine border, but could not corroborate reports that they were engaged in combat.
Ukraine's intelligence agency also said that about 12,000 North Korean troops, including 500 officers and three generals, were already in Russia, with training taking place at five military bases.
South Korea’s defence ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-kyou, citing intelligence authorities, told a briefing: “We understand that more than 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, and a significant number of them have moved to the frontline areas including Kursk.”
But Mr Jeon said he had no information when asked whether the North Koreans were engaged in combat, and about a South Korean media report citing an unnamed government official as saying that as many as 40 North Korean troops had been killed on the battlefield. REUTERS
