Seoul: North Korea Preparing Further Russia Troop Deployment, Not Yet Imminent; 15M+ Shells Supplied

South Korea's Defense Intelligence Agency said on August 23, 2026 that North Korea continues military preparations for an additional troop deployment to Russia but that no signs have been detected so far that such a deployment is imminent — the first time South Korean military authorities have publicly addressed the reports since Pyongyang began sending forces to Russia in October 2024. The agency assessed DPRK has already sent more than 16,000 troops to Russia since October 2024, with many reported killed or wounded, and has supplied Russia with weapons equivalent to more than 15 million rounds of 152mm artillery shells plus short-range ballistic missiles and other systems — with DPRK missile accuracy potentially improving through battlefield experience and possible Russian technical support. The assessment, shared with lawmaker Yu Yong-weon's office, responded to North Korea's denial (via Kim Yo-jong, who called it 'fabrication') of Ukrainian President Zelensky's August 8 claim that Pyongyang had decided to send 30,000–50,000 additional troops.