North Korea preparing further Russia troop deployments, no sign move imminent, Seoul says

South Korea's Defense Ministry has observed North Korea continuing preparations for additional troop deployments to Russia. However, officials have detected no signs that such a move is imminent, according to a South Korean lawmaker's office.

This assessment follows a denial by Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that Pyongyang intended to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia. The South Korean ministry also reported that North Korea has continued its supply of weapons systems to Russia, including short-range ballistic missiles and an estimated 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition.

Assessments from South Korean intelligence suggest that North Korean missiles used in the conflict may have improved in accuracy with battlefield data and Russian technical support. The ministry also indicated that the development of certain North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers, designed for potential use against South Korea, is nearing completion. Furthermore, North Korea's Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of reaching Guam, is reportedly being prepared for operational deployment.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea and Russia have deepened their military cooperation. Pyongyang has been supplying artillery ammunition and missiles since 2023, and troop deployments have been noted since 2024, according to assessments from South Korea, Ukraine, and Western nations. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied any arms transfers.