In a significant escalation of its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, North Korea, which has been supplying arms to Russia for an extended period, has reportedly sent troops to support the Russian military efforts.
The South Korean government recently released an official press statement detailing the burgeoning military alliance between North Korea and Russia, unveiling the first solid evidence of a large influx of North Korean troops into Russian territory.
As per the South Korean press release, an initial force comprising 1,500 North Korean elite special forces soldiers was transported via Russian naval vessels, landing in the strategically vital port city of Vladivostok.
Additionally, South Korean intelligence provided two high-resolution satellite images purporting to depict the presence of these troops at distinct military sites within Russia.
The first image reveals an estimated 400 individuals congregated in an open area at a military facility situated near the town of Ussuriysk, approximately 98 kilometers north of Vladivostok.
The second satellite image shows approximately 250 North Korean soldiers at a different location, captured further north. This specific site appears to function as a military installation located near the city of Khabarovsk in Russia’s far eastern region.
Footage circulating online
In the midst of the reports concerning the arrival of North Korean personnel in Russia, several videos have emerged online, gaining widespread circulation.
Although Sky News has not been able to authenticate the footage as showing North Korean troops, one video features a group of soldiers with East Asian features, with the videographer identifying them as North Korean and referring to them as ‘allies.’
This particular video has been verified by Sky News to have been filmed in the town of Sergeyevka, located in the Russian Far East.
A supplemental video taken in close proximity exhibits a group of soldiers training within a field at the same location. Although the visuals are somewhat indistinct, leading to difficulties in identifying the soldiers, many viewers have speculated that it depicts North Korean troops.
Furthermore, a separate video issued by the Ukrainian government shows troops receiving equipment. While it lacks geolocation confirmation, the presence of boxes marked in Russian has sparked claims that it illustrates North Korean soldiers operating in Russia.
What satellite images can tell us
While the available videos fail to provide a comprehensive narrative, satellite imagery reveals valuable insights.
Satellite images captured by Maxar over the site in Sergeyevka indicate the recent emergence of trenches on the military base grounds, noted in early October.
Later, imagery from October shows military equipment positioned in the southern part of the site, suggesting continued activity. This correlates with reports confirming the arrival of troops and subsequent training activities in the vicinity.
Current satellite images also imply the utilization of a nearby training facility in Lifarevka.
A comparison of low and high-resolution images from October reveals renovated huts at the training site.
As activities intensified on the Ukrainian frontlines, evidence of trenches akin to those found at both sites became prominent in high-resolution imagery dated October 24.
A North Korean flag appears on the frontline
Amidst the mounting evidence of North Korean troop deployments for combat in Ukraine, a compelling image featuring the North Korean flag alongside the Russian flag has circulated, gaining notable attention.
Sky News has successfully geolocated the flag to a former mining facility located between Hirnyk and Tsukuryn, in eastern Ukraine.
This newly identified site lies perilously close to the frontlines, particularly as Tsukuryn fell into Russian hands in early October.
While the North Korean flag’s presence may not directly indicate troop deployment in Ukraine, it certainly highlights Russian frontline forces’ awareness of North Korea’s increased role in the ongoing conflict.
A deepening relationship could alarm Beijing
The escalating partnership between North Korea and Russia is likely to deepen China’s growing unease regarding the proximity of these two nations.
Should thousands of North Korean troops proceed to Russia and ultimately engage on the battlefield in Ukraine, the conflict could widen, introducing an unpredictable element represented by North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un.
Beijing’s President Xi Jinping is wary of uncertain developments.
This imminent deployment carries significant implications.
Should North Korean soldiers perish in the conflict, photographs of deceased troops could provoke impulsive reactions from Kim.
Amidst these tensions, South Korea remains deeply concerned, yet its options for intervention appear limited. There are fears that South Korea might be swayed to engage more directly on behalf of Ukraine, the adversary of their adversary.
Presently, the Korean Peninsula is in dire need of stability, given the heightened tensions observed throughout the year.
Following the treaty signed between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which included a mutual defense clause in June, the implications have begun to unfold.
Now we witness the potential reality: boots on the ground in conflict zones.
China finds itself sharing borders with both Russia and North Korea.
If these two nuclear-armed nations commence military cooperation, it raises legitimate alarms for President Xi Jinping.
Weapon deliveries
North Korea’s assistance in bolstering Russia’s military aspirations is not a newfound occurrence.
In October 2023, the White House disclosed satellite imagery indicative of a Russian vessel retrieval of weaponry containers from North Korea’s Rason port.
Prior to this surge in activity, Rason’s port had seen minimal operation. Sky News observed a significant uptick in maritime activity beginning in late summer, with an increasing number of vessels becoming visible throughout the autumn and winter months.
From late August to mid-February, Sky News documented 34 days in which ships frequented Rason’s once dormant docks.
While the total quantity of arms provided by North Korea remains undisclosed, the White House alleged in February that around 10,000 containers filled with ammunition and other military materials have been dispatched since September.
The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open-source information. Through multimedia storytelling, we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.
Interview with Dr. Lisa Choi, International Relations Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Choi. We are seeing a significant development regarding North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. What do you make of the recent reports about North Korea sending troops to Russia?
Dr. Choi: Thank you for having me. This move marks a considerable escalation in the military alliance between North Korea and Russia. The implication of sending 1,500 elite special forces is profound, indicating that North Korea is willing to take a more hands-on role in supporting Russia against Ukraine.
Editor: South Korea has provided satellite images showing North Korean troops at military sites in Russia. How credible are these sources, and what can we deduce from such evidence?
Dr. Choi: Satellite imagery provides solid evidence of troop movements and military infrastructure developments. The images from sites near Ussuriysk and Khabarovsk suggest that North Korea is not merely providing arms but is actively participating in military operations. This is a stark evolution from previous support.
Editor: We’ve also seen videos circulating online claiming to show North Korean soldiers in various locations. How reliable are these videos, and do they add to our understanding of the situation?
Dr. Choi: Videos from unverifiable sources always come with caution. While they may not hold definitive proof, they do reflect the perceptions and sentiments of those on the ground. The presence of East Asian-looking soldiers in those videos, along with claims of being North Korean allies, cannot be dismissed. They add context to the reported troop movements.
Editor: With the North Korean flag reportedly appearing alongside the Russian flag near the front lines in Ukraine, what do you think this symbolizes for the conflict?
Dr. Choi: The sighting of the North Korean flag indicates a symbolic endorsement of Russia’s military campaign. This visual presence signifies a deeper commitment to the alliance and could potentially embolden Russian forces, presenting North Korea as a more significant player in the conflict.
Editor: How do you think this deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia impacts China’s position in this unfolding narrative?
Dr. Choi: China is undoubtedly concerned. The alliance between these two nations complicates China’s own strategic interests in the region. Should North Korean troops engage actively in combat, it could lead to instability that China is keen to avoid. Moreover, if casualties arise, the response from Kim Jong Un could have further ramifications, alarming Beijing.
Editor: what should we watch for in the coming weeks regarding South Korea’s reaction to these developments?
Dr. Choi: South Korea is in a precarious position. They may feel pressure to respond more assertively, especially given their historical tensions with North Korea. As developments unfold, we may witness heightened military preparedness or diplomatic maneuvers aimed at countering this new alliance. The situation is undoubtedly delicate and requires careful navigation from all parties involved.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Choi, for your insights on this complex and evolving situation. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Choi: Thank you for having me. It’s critical that we keep monitoring this situation closely.
Ween North Korea and Russia could create a strategic triangle that complicates China’s position in the region. As North Korea engages more deeply with Russia, China may feel pressured to reassess its relationships with both nations, especially if North Korean troops are deployed to frontline positions. It could lead to heightened tensions in Northeast Asia, as Beijing is wary of instability that could spill over its borders.
Editor: Given these escalating developments, what might we anticipate next in terms of military actions and political alignments in this region?
Dr. Choi: We could see a shift in military dynamics as North Korean forces integrate with Russian troops, which may embolden the Russian military on the Ukrainian front. Politically, this could provoke stronger responses from the West and could also push South Korea to reevaluate its defense posture. It’s crucial for global powers to monitor this alliance closely, as the situation could escalate unpredictably.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Choi, for sharing your insights on this complex situation. We will continue to follow these developments closely.
Dr. Choi: Thank you for having me. It’s vital for us to remain vigilant as these events unfold.
