Signs detected of N. Korea sending over 1,000 additional troops to Russia: Seoul's military

Authorities have detected signs of North Korea dispatching more than 1,000 additional troops to Russia this year in its continued support of Moscow's war against Ukraine, South Korean military officials said Thursday.

North Korea is estimated to have sent over 1,000 military personnel to Russia in January and February in addition to the roughly 11,000 troops already deployed in the country to fight against Ukrainian forces, according to the officials.

"North Korean troops were moved to Russia sometime in January and February this year," a military official said. "It is understood that North Korea is also making preparations to send additional troops to Russia."

Another official said the troops' current location remains unknown, noting that the military can no longer track their movement once they leave the North's northeastern port of Chongjin and the nearby area of Najin.

South Korean officials have previously cited the two border areas as sites where North Korea shipped off supplies and personnel to Russia.

North Korea is believed to have deployed approximately 11,000 troops to Russia's western frontline region of Kursk since October, reportedly suffering around 4,000 casualties.

It remains unclear whether the troops additionally sent to Russia have been deployed to Kursk.

A defense ministry official declined to confirm the North's additional troop dispatch but noted the ministry is closely monitoring North Korean military activities. (Yonhap)