South Korea may send officers to Ukraine in response to DPRK's actions

Newsweek reported the information, citing South Korean media.

Referring to an intelligence official, the media write that the South Korean government and military “are reviewing a plan to send an appropriate number of personnel, including intelligence officers [specialized in North Korea] and experts in enemy tactics” to Ukraine.

The South Korean military will be able to interrogate DPRK soldiers if they are captured by Ukrainian troops, or provide translation services. In addition, they will provide Kyiv with information on North Korea's military tactics, doctrine, and operations.

Later, the South Korean Ministry of Defense said at a press briefing that it would openly consider measures to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine.

Military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK

On October 4, the Kyiv Post reported that 20 soldiers were killed in a missile strike on occupied Donetsk, including six North Korean military personnel advising the Russian army.
 

The South Korean Defense Minister warned on October 8 that North Korea may deploy troops to Ukraine in support of Russia.
 

At an October 17 press conference in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Russia's plan to train 10,000 North Korean soldiers for combat in Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, later reported that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia, preparing for deployment to Ukraine. He added that the first unit of 2,600 soldiers is en route to Kursk, where Ukraine has established a stronghold.
 

Ukraine has since shared intelligence with NATO about North Korea’s military involvement and requested data from alliance members.
 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the participation of the North Korean military in the war against Ukraine on the side of Russia would mean a “significant escalation.” 
 

On October 21, it was reported that 18 North Korean soldiers had been detained by Russian forces after attempting to desert their positions in the Kursk region. These troops are expected to participate in future assaults against Ukrainian forces.