South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters following a closed-door briefing that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes Russia may be preparing to launch a large-scale offensive against Ukraine in July or August.
North Korea may send more troops to support Russia in Ukraine war by July or August, says South Korea
North Korea is expected to deploy additional troops to Russia as early as July or August to assist in the ongoing war against Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmakers who were briefed by the country’s intelligence agency on Thursday (June 26, 2025).
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes that Russia is preparing to launch a major offensive against Ukraine during that time frame, said lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, following a closed-door briefing.
“The additional deployment could take place as early as July or August,” Lee stated, noting that the assessment is based on evidence of a new troop mobilization in North Korea and a recent visit to Pyongyang by a senior Russian presidential security official.
In exchange for supplying Russia with artillery shells and missiles, Pyongyang is likely receiving technological support, including guidance on satellite launches and missile systems, Lee added, citing the intelligence report.
After months of official silence, both Russia and North Korea have now acknowledged the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict, particularly in Moscow’s operations to regain control of the Kursk region.
The growing military cooperation between the two nations is reportedly grounded in a mutual defense agreement signed by their leaders in June last year.