Discovered by Ukrainian authorities, the questionnaire, written in Korean with corresponding Russian translations, is seen as further evidence that North Korea is sending thousands of its soldiers to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
"The North Korean troops are thought to be receiving training before being sent to the frontline in Ukraine, in what is thought to be a clear sign of the ever warming relations between Moscow and Pyongyang," the U.S. news outlet reported.
A video clip released the same day by SPRAVDI, a Ukrainian government-affiliated organization, also indicates what appear to be North Korean soldiers preparing for deployment to Russia. The footage, shot at a training ground in Russia's Far East, shows dozens of Asian soldiers speaking with distinct North Korean accents as they receive military gear, fueling growing concerns over North Korea's involvement in the war.
The video surfaced just a day after South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed that North Korea has decided to dispatch around 12,000 troops to support Russia. According to the spy agency here, Pyongyang began deploying special forces troops to Russia between Oct. 8 and 13, with about 1,500 soldiers sent during the first phase.
The soldiers reportedly traveled aboard four amphibious landing ships and three escort vessels provided by Russia.
With more North Korean troops expected to arrive in Russia, the latest development could escalate tensions in the region, heightening international concerns over the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
But the U.S. has remained cautious, refraining from confirming reports about North Korea's troop deployment to Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he cannot verify the reports but added that such a move would be "concerning, if true."
"The forces involved in the smear campaign against [North Korea] will have to pay a dear price for it," Choi said in a statement.
The monitoring team, which includes eight other countries, was launched last week after Russia's veto ended the UN Security Council's sanctions panel in April. The participating countries — Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the U.K. — are tasked with monitoring and reporting North Korea's attempts to evade sanctions aimed to curb its nuclear and missile programs.
Choe accused the U.S. of pursuing "hegemonic interests" and denounced the move as a violation of North Korea's sovereignty, warning of "inevitable reactions."
The regime has long been suspected of evading sanctions through illicit methods, such as ship-to-ship transfers, often with the alleged acquiescence of Russia and China.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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