South Korean intelligence: North Korea is sending 12,000 troops to Russia

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on October 18 that North Korea had decided to send around 12,000 troops in four brigades, including special forces, to fight for Russia. According to the NIS, the first 1,500 soldiers were moved between October 8 and 13 on Russian navy ships to Vladivostok.

Intelligence officials say the North Korean soldiers were issued Russian uniforms, weapons and fake identity papers presenting them as residents of Yakutia and Buryatia, and are at bases in Russia's Far East before being sent to the front. The South Korean agency also released satellite images of Russian ships in the port of Chongjin.

From shells to soldiers

Seoul and Washington have previously accused Pyongyang of supplying Russia with artillery ammunition and ballistic missiles. Sending troops would mark a qualitative leap in cooperation, just four months after the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, whose Article 4 provides for mutual military assistance.