South Korea’s military has voiced concerns that North Korea may be preparing to send additional troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, despite suffering substantial casualties and having soldiers captured.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated on Friday that North Korea appears to be “accelerating measures and preparations for another troop dispatch” as the war continues. This follows an earlier deployment of North Korean forces to assist Russia, reportedly resulting in heavy losses and prisoner-of-war situations.

Although specific details on North Korea’s potential actions remain unclear, the JCS noted that Pyongyang is also preparing for a spy satellite launch and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. However, there are no immediate signs of activity in those areas.

These developments come on the heels of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia’s Kursk region. This marks the first confirmed instance of North Korean troops being taken prisoner since their deployment last autumn.

According to assessments by Ukraine and Western officials, approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been stationed to bolster Russian forces in the Kursk region, which Ukraine briefly retook during a surprise offensive. Ukrainian estimates suggest that over 3,000 of these soldiers have been killed or injured in combat.

Initially, both Moscow and Pyongyang denied reports of North Korean troop involvement. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later refrained from dismissing the claims, while a North Korean official argued that any deployment was lawful.

The deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia follows a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” signed during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. The treaty includes a mutual defence agreement, underscoring the growing alignment between the two nations.

South Korea’s military continues to monitor North Korea’s activities, expressing concerns over the potential escalation of its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.