N.Korea to send military engineering troops to Russia for mine clearance, reconstruction

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – North Korea will send a total of 6,000 personnel to Russia, including 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders, to assist in mine clearance and reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region, bordering Ukraine, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council said during a visit to Pyongyang on Tuesday.

“Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong Un made a decision to send one thousand combat engineers to Russia for demining Russian territory,” Sergey Shoygu told reporters, adding that the decision was part of continued “fraternal assistance” from Pyongyang following the recent Russia–North Korean treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership.

He also announced that two brigades made up of 5,000 military construction workers will be dispatched to help restore damaged infrastructure in the region.

Shoygu traveled to Pyongyang on a special mission from Russian President Vladimir Putin to follow up on agreements reached during a June 4 meeting.

He said the delegation focused heavily on security cooperation and emphasized that Moscow and Pyongyang will deepen coordination on a "wide range of issues of mutual interest."

“Contacts with the Korean side on a wide range of issues of mutual interest will continue. The potential of bilateral relations is enormous,” he noted.

Shoygu also voiced hope for the resumption of direct flights between the neighboring countries, saying: “I hope that the first plane, which has not flown for 30 years now, will fly soon.”

North Korea and Russia have significantly increased military and strategic cooperation since 2023, raising concerns in the West over possible arms transfers and joint military activity.