South Korea Estimates North Korea To Send 200 Long-distance Artilleries To Russia

North Korea's ballistic missile salvo illustration. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korea is expected to have sent about 200 long-range artillery to Russia and is likely to send more troops and weapons to support Moscow's war against Ukraine, South Korea's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The assessment came after South Korea's spy agency previously estimated North Korea had sent about 11,000 troops in support of Russia.

Of these, about 300 people are believed to have died, while another 2,700 were injured.

"(North Korea) has provided about 11,000 troops, missiles, 200 long-range artillery, and large amounts of ammunition and there is a possibility (North Korea) will also supply troops, weapons, and ammunition in the future," the ministry said in a briefing to the South Korean Parliamentary Defense Committee. , reported The Korea Times 11 February.

The ministry further said North Korea is expected to double its weapons development this year, the last year in its five-year plan to develop advanced weapons, such as nuclear-powered submarines, spy satellites, and solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The ministry also raised the possibility of Pyongyang receiving Russian technology assistance in exchange for military support, in particular mentioning technology for nuclear-powered submarines and technology re-entering the atmosphere for the ICBM.

Regarding North Korea's relations with the United States, the ministry said Pyongyang appeared to be trying to create a favorable situation for negotiations with Washington through strong rhetoric and provocation.

North Korea itself has not yet responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks about his intention to reconnect with Leader Kim Jong-un.

In contrast, North Korea has carried out missile tests and revealed the visit of Leader Kim to a nuclear material production base, the ministry noted.