North Korean Troops Reportedly Trained by Russia Amid Escalating Tensions

North Korea has reportedly sent 1,500 soldiers to Russia for training, raising concerns over its first military involvement in the Ukraine conflict. South Korea's intelligence agency revealed that these troops traveled on Russian ships and were inspected by Kim Jong Un, signaling a deepening alliance with Moscow.

In a significant development, North Korea has dispatched 1,500 troops to Russia for training, marking its initial military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This report, disclosed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), highlights growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.

The special forces units reportedly traveled on seven Russian ships and were personally reviewed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Furthermore, South Korea's intelligence noted frequent flights of large Russian transport aircraft between Vladivostok and Pyongyang, reinforcing concerns of a robust military collaboration.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned about the emerging Russo-North Korean alliance, labeling the troop deployment as troubling. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, addressing reporters in Naples, expressed his inability to confirm the troop movements but acknowledged potential worries if the reports prove accurate. Calls for a timely response echo across the United States, spurred by new demands for official briefings on these alarming military developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)