North Korean soldiers were filmed receiving uniforms and equipment at a training ground in Russia's Far East, confirming intelligence reports from South Korea that 1,500 soldiers were sent for military training before being deployed to Ukraine, the American television CNN reported.
A Russian soldier has been filmed saying “this is just the beginning”. “They are millions, this is just the beginning,” said the Russian.
North Korean troops are believed to be undergoing training before being sent to the front line in Ukraine, which is seen as a clear sign of the close relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Upon arrival in Russia, the North Korean soldiers were asked to fill out a questionnaire in which they gave the sizes of hats, uniforms and shoes. In a copy of the questionnaire obtained by CNN, the top of the form is written in Russian, while the various size options are written in Korean.
Kiev expects more than 10,000 North Korean troops to enter the war soon, and according to Ukrainian military analysts, Pyongyang may eventually send 100,000 of its own troops to support Russian aggression against Ukraine.
For the first time since the beginning of the full-scale war, the army of a third country will enter the war. This will be the first time that North Korea has made a significant intervention in an international conflict. North Korea has one of the largest armies in the world with 1.2 million soldiers, but many of its troops lack combat experience.
During Putin's visit to the North Korean capital in June, both countries pledged to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event the other is attacked. Moscow considers some parts of Ukraine its territory – action that is in violation of international treaties.