South Korean Intelligence Reports Russia North Korea Military Cooperation

South Korean intelligence believes Russia could join North Korea in a regional conflict. A South Korean lawmaker shared details from a national intelligence briefing. The report follows statements about North Korean troops training in Russia.

Representative Wi Sung-lac provided details from the intelligence briefing. Wi previously served as South Korea's ambassador to Russia. He stated North Korea receives financial, food, and technological help from Moscow. Russia will pay over 200 million dollars yearly for 10,000 soldiers. Moscow will also supply up to 700,000 metric tons of rice.

Intelligence sources also believe Moscow may share space technology with Pyongyang. North Korea aims to launch another military reconnaissance satellite into space. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense agreement in June. The binding pact requires immediate military assistance if either nation faces attack.