North Korea is set to send thousands of workers, including military personnel, to assist in the reconstruction of Russia’s war-hit Kursk region, intensifying fears of growing military cooperation between the two authoritarian states.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu made the announcement during a high-profile visit to Pyongyang, where he held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Russian state media quoted Shoigu as saying that the assistance is a form of “fraternal support” from North Korea, involving two military brigades of around 5,000 people and 1,000 deminers.
The move has drawn sharp condemnation from neighbouring South Korea and Japan. Seoul labelled the deployment a “grave concern,” citing violations of United Nations sanctions on North Korea. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed the concern, stating the collaboration would “worsen the Ukrainian situation and affect regional security.”
The development comes amid increasing reports of North Korean troops assisting Russian forces in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence has estimated that around 15,000 North Koreans are working in Russia under various cooperation agreements, many in military roles. Western intelligence reports suggest that over 1,000 North Korean troops may have died in the conflict within just three months, with a Seoul lawmaker in April estimating total North Korean casualties at 4,700, including 600 deaths.
In November 2024, Moscow and Pyongyang formalized a mutual defense pact, pledging military support in the event of aggression against either nation. This alliance has raised serious alarms within the international community, particularly as Russia’s war in Ukraine shows no signs of ending.
Analysts believe Pyongyang could be compensated with Russian military technology or financial aid in exchange for manpower. Both countries confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia in April, which the United States and South Korea condemned as illegal and in violation of the UN Charter.
Despite the global outcry, Russia and North Korea continue to strengthen their ties. During Shoigu’s latest visit, Kim reaffirmed his country’s “unconditional support” for Russia, including in its war against Ukraine signalling a deepening partnership with far-reaching geopolitical consequences
