North Korea to send 30,000 soldiers to frontlines as Washington weighs support for Ukraine – report

While some analysts told CNN that the actual number could be half of what Ukrainian intelligence reported, "it depends on what Russia has asked for." North Korea will send up to 30,000 additional soldiers to the frontlines in the Ukraine-Russia War, according to a CNN report on Wednesday. These troops may arrive in Russia in stages by November, “to strengthen the Russian contingent, including during large-scale offensive operations,” a Ukrainian intelligence document seen by CNN stated.

Additionally, satellite imagery obtained by CNN indicated signs of Russia’s preparations. Ships previously used for North Korean deployments were seen in Russian ports, and flight patterns of cargo planes revealed that routes bringing soldiers to Russia were active. North Korea had sent 11,000 troops to the frontlines last fall. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed their presence in April, after previously refusing to comment on multiple international and Ukrainian reports regarding North Korean soldiers falling in battle.

This development follows the United States halting shipments of air defense missiles to Ukraine amid a growing Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry, however, stated that it had not received official notifications about the suspension and insisted that deliveries were ongoing. (Read More)