Pyongyang to send 6,000 personnel to Russia for reconstruction; Seoul condemns move

North Korea is dispatching at least 6 thousand military personnel to Russia so that they can help rebuild a Russian city damaged by its war with Ukraine.

The deployment marks a new phase in Pyongyang's deepening partnership with Moscow, and it's drawing concerns from Seoul.

Kim Jung-sil reports.

North Korea is sending thousands of military construction workers to Russia's Kursk region: including 5,000 construction workers to rebuild damaged infrastructure and 1,000 sappers to clear the area of landmines.

The decision was announced by Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu after he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Tuesday afternoon , their second meeting in just two weeks.

"It's a gesture of brotherly support from the North Korean people and their leader, Kim Jong-un."

North Korea is believed to have already sent some 12,000 combat troops to Russia's Kursk region since October.

South Korean intelligence says around 600 have been killed, with total casualties nearing 4,700.

Analysts say Pyongyang's support isn't without strings , and it's likely expecting a payoff.

"North Korea will likely get advanced systems like the Pantsir air defense weapon and reconnaissance satellite technology."

Professor Kim added that Pyongyang will also likely receive oil and food supplies in return , crucial support as it struggles under sanctions and isolation.

Other analysts say the visit also reflects shared concerns over Washington's recent signals regarding the situation in the Middle East.

"With Trump doubling down on saying Iran must never get nuclear weapons, Russia may be reassuring North Korea , which has taken real risks for Moscow and still wants full recognition as a nuclear power."

Pyongyang gave no details on the new deployment but said the two sides exchanged views on global and regional issues and reached full consensus.

A South Korean presidential office official on Wednesday called the deployment "concerning" and said Seoul "does not support it".

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry said the employment of North Korean workers abroad violates UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang and Moscow to halt their cooperation.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.