2024-11-20 07:08:00
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has recently delivered more artillery systems to Russia to support its war effort in Ukraine, and some of the thousands of North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia have begun taking part in combat, South Korea’s news agency reported. .
South Korea’s analysis came after Russia warned on Monday that U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to attack targets in Russia was “adding fuel to the fire” to the war. U.S. officials said Biden’s decision was driven almost entirely by North Korea’s entry into the war.
Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun, who attended the meeting, said the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in a closed parliamentary briefing that North Korea exported 170mm self-propelled artillery and 240mm multiple launch rocket systems to Russia.
Lee told reporters that intelligence determined it was a type of artillery not used by the Russian military, so North Korea likely sent personnel to teach the Russians how to use and maintain them.
Last week, Russian Telegram channels and other social media posts showed photos apparently showing North Korea’s 170mm “Koksan” self-propelled artillery being transported by rail in Russia. The Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports, that North Korea had shipped about 50 domestically produced 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 20 240mm multiple launch rocket systems to Russia in recent weeks.
The artillery systems were shipped along with other conventional weapons believed to be supplied by North Korea to Russia, as the two countries have significantly expanded military cooperation as they face their respective confrontations with the United States and its allies. Last month, the National Intelligence Service said North Korea had shipped more than 13,000 containers of artillery, missiles and other conventional weapons to Russia since August 2023 to replenish its depleted weapons stockpiles.
Lee said the National Intelligence Service told a news conference on Wednesday that an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops were moved to Russia’s Kursk region in late October, part of which Ukrainian troops seized territory this year after training in northeastern Russia. . The report quoted the National Intelligence Service as saying that North Korean soldiers have been assigned to Russian naval and airborne units, and some have begun fighting alongside the Russians on the front lines.
The United States, Ukraine and other countries have similar estimates of the size of North Korea’s military presence. They said North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia in October and some of them have taken part in fighting in the Kursk region since then. Observers say North Korea’s involvement in the war, now approaching its third year, threatens to escalate the conflict.
Park Sun-won, another lawmaker who attended the intelligence agency meeting, made similar comments. The statement said the spy agency was unable to assess possible North Korean casualties.
Moscow said on Tuesday that Ukraine had fired six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region, marking the first time Ukraine has used such weapons on Russian soil. Ukraine’s General Staff did not confirm whether the weapon had been used but said the military had struck an ammunition depot in the Bryansk region, which borders Kursk, likely to supply Russian troops fighting there.
Since the first year of the war, Ukrainian leaders have been pressuring Western allies to use advanced weapons to attack key targets in Russia.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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What signs should we look for to gauge the effectiveness of North Korean training of Russian forces in Ukraine?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Analyst on North Korean Military Affairs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has been supplying Russia with artillery systems to assist in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Can you provide some context on the significance of this development?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. This development is quite concerning as it marks a deepening of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The shipment of artillery systems like the 170mm self-propelled howitzers and 240mm multiple launch rocket systems is not only a significant military support but also indicates North Korea’s willingness to bolster Russia’s capabilities amid international scrutiny.
**Editor:** South Korea’s National Intelligence Service mentioned that North Korean personnel might be sent to train Russian forces in operating these artillery systems. How does this involvement change the dynamics of the conflict?
**Dr. Chen:** Indeed, the training aspect is crucial. If North Korean soldiers are actively involved in combat and training, this could enhance the effectiveness of Russian forces in Ukraine and prolong the conflict, as North Korea’s artillery systems are unfamiliar to the Russian military. This strengthens the alliance between the two nations, potentially leading to a more coordinated approach against their common adversary, the United States and its allies.
**Editor:** The U.S. has responded to this by allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles. How might this escalation affect the overall situation in the region?
**Dr. Chen:** The U.S. decision to provide Ukraine with longer-range capabilities suggests a strategic response to counter the growing North Korean influence in the conflict. This could lead to an escalation as Russia might feel increased pressure to respond. we’re seeing a potentially dangerous cycle of retaliation and escalation that could further complicate the geopolitical landscape.
**Editor:** Given these developments, what should we be monitoring moving forward?
**Dr. Chen:** We should closely watch the frequency and type of military exchanges between North Korea and Russia, particularly any new agreements on military cooperation. Additionally, monitoring the deployment of North Korean troops and how they’re integrated into Russian operations will be critical. Lastly, international diplomatic efforts, especially from the U.S. and its allies, will be vital in addressing the ramifications of this evolving situation.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Chen. This situation is certainly one to watch as it evolves.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the dialogue open about these pressing global issues.
