Seoul: North Korea is estimated to have sent about 200 pieces of long-range artillery to Russia and is likely to send more troops and weapons in support of Moscow's war against Ukraine, South Korea's defense ministry said Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the assessment followed an earlier estimation by South Korea's spy agency that North Korea has sent approximately 11,000 troops to support Russia, with reports indicating 300 have been killed and around 2,700 others wounded.
The defense ministry detailed in a briefing to the parliamentary defense committee that North Korea has provided not only troops but also missiles, 200 pieces of long-range artillery, and a substantial amount of ammunition. The ministry noted the possibility of North Korea continuing to supply more troops, weapons, and ammunition in the future.
The ministry highlighted that North Korea is expected to intensify its weapons development efforts this year, which marks the final year in its five-year plan to advance sophisticated weapons technologies, including nuclear-powered submarines, spy satellites, and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
There is a potential for North Korea to receive technological assistance from Russia in exchange for its military support. The assistance could involve technologies related to nuclear-powered submarines and atmospheric re-entry technology for ICBMs.
Concerning North Korea's relations with the United States, the ministry observed that Pyongyang seems to be aiming to create favorable conditions for negotiations with Washington by displaying strong rhetoric and provocations. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's expressed intent to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea has not responded. Instead, it has been conducting missile tests and has publicized Kim's visit to a nuclear-material production base, as noted by the ministry.