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At least six North Korean solders fighting in Ukraine alongside Russia troops were said to have been killed and more expected, the Seoul's defence chief said.
According to Ukrainian media, six North Korean military officers were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk.
Seoul’s defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, told lawmakers Tuesday that it was “highly likely, considering various circumstances” that the report was true.
He said, “We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances,” he said.
North Korea is expected to send more regular soldiers to support Russia’s war effort, he added.
“The issue of deploying regular troops is highly likely due to the mutual agreements that resemble a military alliance between Russia and North Korea,” Kim said.
Experts are of the opinion that North Korean missiles are being deployed in Ukraine by Russian forces — something both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied.
South Korea also claims Pyongyang has sent thousands of containers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
The nuclear-armed North has publicly boosted military ties with Moscow in recent years.
President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he signed a mutual defence agreement with leader Kim Jong Un.
Analysts have warned that the recent ramped-up testing and production of artillery and cruise missiles by the North could be in preparation for shipments to Russia.
North Korea is barred by UN sanctions from any tests using ballistic technology.
But Moscow used its UN Security Council veto in March to effectively end UN monitoring of violations, for which Pyongyang has specifically thanked Russia.
AFP
