North Korea prepares more Russia troop deployment

South Korea's Defence Ministry reported that North Korea is continuing preparations for an additional troop deployment to Russia, though no signs indicate an imminent move. This follows Kim Yo Jong's denial of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that Pyongyang planned to send up to 50,000 more troops. The ministry also noted continued North Korean arms supplies to Russia, including short-range ballistic missiles and over 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition. Assessments from the South Korea — Defense Intelligence Agency (South Korea) suggest North Korean missiles have improved accuracy through battlefield data and Russian technical support. Additionally, development of some North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers intended for use against South Korea is nearing completion, and the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile is being prepared for operational deployment. North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles can reach the U.S. mainland, but key technologies like warhead re-entry remain unverified. Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has deepened since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with arms supplies since 2023 and troop deployments since 2024.