Janice R. Andrews
According to Ukrainian intelligence sources, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly dispatched General Kim Yong Bok to Russia to supervise military activities in Ukraine. The general, who serves as deputy head of North Korea’s army and has a background in special operations, would represent one of the highest-level North Korean military officials to be involved in the conflict.
Ukraine has reportedly raised concerns at the United Nations about this development, suggesting it could increase security risks across multiple regions including Europe and the Korean Peninsula.
The reported appointment coincides with U.S. assessments indicating approximately 8,000 North Korean personnel are positioned in Russia’s Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces claim recent advances. The timing also aligns with diplomatic exchanges between North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Media reports suggest North Korea may be seeking technical assistance in return for its military support.
If confirmed, these developments would indicate an expanding military partnership between North Korea and Russia, potentially raising new international security considerations.
