Russia sent anti-air missiles to N. Korea in exchange for troops, says Seoul official

SEOUL – South Korea’s national security adviser Shin Won-sik said Russia has provided North Korea with anti-air missiles and air defence equipment in return for sending troops to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

In an interview with South Korean broadcaster SBS aired on Nov 22, Mr Shin said Russia gave North Korea economic and military technology support when asked what Pyongyang stood to gain from dispatching its troops to Russia.

“It is understood that North Korea has been provided with related equipment and anti-aircraft missiles to strengthen Pyongyang’s weak air defence system,” he said.

Pyongyang also appears to have been given military technology by Russia to support its satellite programme following its failed attempt to launch a spy satellite earlier this year, he said.

South Korean lawmakers said this week around 10,900 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk as part of Russia’s airborne and marine units facing Ukrainian forces.

Some of these units have already participated in battles, said the lawmakers, who were citing a briefing by South Korea’s spy agency. REUTERS