There are reports suggesting that South Korea is contemplating sending personnel to Ukraine to monitor the movements of North Korean troops stationed there. Recent intelligence received by both Ukraine and South Korea indicates that North Korea has dispatched troops to assist Russia in its military operations against Ukraine. According to a South Korean government source on October 22, the government is weighing the possibility of deploying personnel to Ukraine for this purpose.
Last week, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service disclosed that North Korea has decided to send 12,000 soldiers to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, with around 1,500 special forces deployed to Russia’s Far East region.
The Korea Herald reported that South Korean officials are considering sending personnel to Ukraine to observe the tactics and operational capabilities of the North Korean special forces deployed to support Russia. Should a team be dispatched, it is anticipated that members will be military personnel from intelligence departments capable of analyzing North Korean tactics and potentially interrogating captured North Koreans.
Additionally, the South Korean government is considering offering military support to Ukraine, although its policy may shift away from providing lethal assistance directly. Sources indicate that while monitoring signs of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, South Korea intends to take gradual countermeasures, prioritizing defensive weapons over offensive capabilities. Even if lethal assistance is provided, it will likely be done indirectly.
