Russia has supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles in exchange for receiving thousands of North Korean soldiers, a senior official from South Korea confirmed on Friday.
The United States, South Korea, and other nations have reported that North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia to assist in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Exchange of Troops for Military Aid
The details of what Russia has provided to North Korea in return for the soldiers have been a subject of intense scrutiny. Shin Wonsik, the Director of National Security for South Korea, told SBS television that Seoul has discovered that Russia has supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and other military equipment to bolster its air defense network.
Shin further stated that Russia has also provided North Korea with significant economic support.
Both Seoul and Washington have expressed concerns that Russia could potentially share sensitive nuclear and missile technology with North Korea.
Arms Shipments from North Korea to Russia
In addition to the missile supplies, the National Intelligence Service of South Korea informed lawmakers this week that North Korea has recently sent additional artillery systems to Russia. Last month, the National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea had sent more than 13,000 containers filled with artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons to Russia since August 2023 to help replenish Moscow’s depleting armaments.
Earlier this week, North Korea and Russia reached a new agreement to expand economic cooperation following high-level talks in Pyongyang, according to state media outlets from both countries.
