Russian President Vladimir Putin sidestepped questions Thursday about North Korean military personnel reportedly arriving in Russia. This comes amid Ukrainian intelligence claims that North Korean troops reached Kursk Oblast on October 23.
According to Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR), these North Korean units, approximately 12,000 personnel including 500 officers and three generals, have been deployed to Russia and underwent training at various Russian military bases, including facilities in Primorsky Krai, Buryatia, and Amur Oblast.
READ: North Korea Deploys Troops To Support Russia In Ukraine War
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has reportedly overseen the coordination and preparation of these units, with Russian forces supplying them with ammunition and other gear.
At a press conference following the BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin was asked about satellite images released by South Korean intelligence allegedly showing North Korean troops on Russian soil. Putin responded sarcastically, noting, “Photos are a serious thing” that “reflect something.”
He then referred to the defense clause in the Russian-North Korean strategic partnership agreement, officially ratified by the Russian Duma the same day, which reinforces cooperation between the two nations.
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