North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine in July or August, and Pyongyang is continuing to supply weapons to Russia, South Korean lawmakers quoted by "Reuters" said.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes that Russia may be preparing a large-scale attack on Ukraine in July or August, South Korean lawmaker Lee Song-kyun told reporters after a closed-door briefing.
"The timing of the additional deployment is such that it could happen as early as July or August," Lee said, adding that the agency had indicated a new troop buildup about their shipment from North Korea and a recent visit to Pyongyang by a senior Russian presidential security official as the basis for his assessment.
In exchange for North Korea sending artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia, Pyongyang is likely receiving technical advice on satellite launches and missile guidance systems, Lee said, citing an NIS briefing.
After months of silence, both North Korea and Russia have revealed the deployment of North Korean troops and the role they played in Moscow's offensive against Ukraine to retake the Kursk region.
The two sides said the cooperation was based on a treaty signed by their leaders last June, which includes a mutual defense pact.