logo
North Korea to send about 30,000 troops to Russia

North Korea to send about 30,000 troops to Russia

Al Bawaba5 days ago
Published July 3rd, 2025 - 08:18 GMT
ALBAWABA - An intelligence assessment from Ukrainian officials detailed that North Korea is planning to triple the number of its troops fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine. Also Read Extra 3,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia in 2025
The intelligence assessment reported that North Korea is set to send an extra 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to help Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The troops may arrive in Russia in the coming months, CNN reported after viewing the report.
North Korea could send up to 30,000 additional troops to Russia over the coming months to aid Moscow in its war against Ukraine, media reports citing intelligence officials and security sources have said. | 📸: KCNA / via Reuters https://t.co/85lgj199F4 pic.twitter.com/VvFpuPiRCi — The Japan Times (@japantimes) July 3, 2025
At least 11,000 were sent to Russia last November and helped repel Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. About 4,000 of them were killed or injured in the deployment, according to Western officials.
The Ukrainian assessment reads that the Russian Ministry of Defense is capable of providing "needed equipment, weapons and ammunition" with the aim of "further integration to Russian combat units."
© 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Russian ex-minister dies by suicide hours after dismissal
Russian ex-minister dies by suicide hours after dismissal

Al Bawaba

time15 hours ago

  • Al Bawaba

Russian ex-minister dies by suicide hours after dismissal

ALBAWABA- Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit died by suicide on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his post, according to Russian authorities. Also Read Russia captures first village in Dnipropetrovsk region The Kremlin published the official decree of Starovoit's dismissal Monday morning, naming his deputy, Andrey Nikitin, as acting minister, as reported by CNN. When pressed by reporters for the reason behind the sudden move, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied it was due to a 'lack of trust' but offered no further explanation. Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit dies by suicide just hours after President Putin fired him from the job, officials say — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) July 7, 2025 Later that day, Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed that Starovoit's body was found inside a car with a gunshot wound. While investigations are ongoing, officials say suicide is the leading theory. Starovoit had previously served as governor of the southern Kursk region, where he was partially blamed for earlier lapses in security. Although he stepped down before a surprise Ukrainian incursion, some critics continued to hold him accountable. His dismissal came at a time of chaos in Russia's air travel sector. Over the weekend and into Monday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency reported 485 flight cancellations, 88 diversions, and nearly 1,900 delays. The agency attributed the disruption to 'external interference' without elaboration. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said over 400 long-range Ukrainian strikes were intercepted during the same period.

Russia captures first village in Dnipropetrovsk region
Russia captures first village in Dnipropetrovsk region

Al Bawaba

time19 hours ago

  • Al Bawaba

Russia captures first village in Dnipropetrovsk region

Published July 7th, 2025 - 08:36 GMT ALBAWABA - Russia announced Monday it has taken control over a settlement in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, AFP reported. According to Russian media, this is the first village in the central region to have fallen Russian control since the war started in February 2022. The defence ministry said in a statement that Russian soldiers seized Dachne village in Dnipropetrovsk region. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (

Japan–Iran Relations: Economic and Diplomatic Overview
Japan–Iran Relations: Economic and Diplomatic Overview

Al Bawaba

time2 days ago

  • Al Bawaba

Japan–Iran Relations: Economic and Diplomatic Overview

Dr. Gil Feiler Japan and Iran have maintained a complex yet enduring bilateral relationship shaped by mutual interests, geopolitical constraints, and economic interdependence. Despite Japan's close alliance with the United States and its adherence to international sanctions regimes, it has historically pursued a pragmatic approach to Iran, primarily driven by its energy needs and regional stability considerations. Japan and Iran established formal diplomatic relations in 1929. During the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, the two countries maintained warm ties, especially due to Japan's need for Iranian oil. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, relations cooled but never broke. Japan chose a moderate stance, unlike Western powers, maintaining embassy-level ties and limited political engagement. Over the decades, Japan has consistently positioned itself as a neutral mediator between Iran and the West. This is evident in Japan's multiple diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions over Iran's nuclear program, particularly during the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) under the Trump administration. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's historic visit to Tehran in June 2019 — the first by a Japanese premier in over 40 years — symbolized Tokyo's commitment to dialogue and stability. In the wake of rising tensions between Iran and Israel and the broader Middle East crises of 2024–2025, Japan has renewed its call for de-escalation. Tokyo has Urged restraint on all sides following the Iranian-Israeli conflict; Maintained diplomatic channels open with both Tehran and Washington; and supported multilateral efforts for a renewed nuclear agreement. Japan's Foreign Ministry continues to underscore the importance of regional peace for global energy security — a key interest for a resource-scarce nation like Japan. Energy Cooperation: The Backbone of Bilateral Trade Historically, oil was the cornerstone of Japan–Iran economic ties. Until 2011, Iran was one of Japan's top oil suppliers. However, following international sanctions and U.S. pressure, Japanese firms dramatically reduced Iranian crude imports. In 2012, imports were slashed under U.S. sanctions. After the JCPOA in 2015, Japan resumed limited oil imports. With the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions in 2018, Japanese companies again halted purchases. As of 2025, Japan does not import Iranian oil due to international sanctions and insurance restrictions, though Japanese policymakers quietly support a return to trade once legally permissible. Despite sanctions, Japanese companies have historically shown interest in Iran's untapped market. Sectors include: Automobiles: Iran was once a major market for Toyota and Mazda; Infrastructure & Engineering: Japanese firms had interest in rail, port, and refinery modernization; Medical Equipment & Pharmaceuticals: Considered 'humanitarian goods,' trade in this area continued even under sanctions. In 2016, Japan extended a 10 billion USD credit line to Iran to support trade and development following the JCPOA — although much of it remained unused due to U.S. policy reversals. As of 2025, Japanese companies operate cautiously. Direct investments are minimal due to Sanctions enforcement; Payment channel restrictions; and U.S.-Japan security alliance constraint Japan promotes cultural ties with Iran through university exchanges, academic collaboration, and language programs. Tehran has an active Japan Foundation branch. Persian scholars and students frequently travel to Japan, while Japanese films and culture retain a niche following in Iran. In response to natural disasters and public health needs, Japan has provided consistent humanitarian aid to Iran. Notable recent efforts include: COVID-19 medical support; Earthquake relief efforts in Kerman and Hormozgan provinces; and food aid and water resource development under the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). Japan must carefully balance its interests. Its alliance with the United States imposes limits on full engagement with Iran. Yet Japan values Iran's geostrategic position and economic potential. Thus, Tokyo maintains a strategy of quiet diplomacy with Tehran and public support for multilateral agreements, while ready to re-engage economically once conditions improve, ie, investment in energy and infrastructure, post-sanctions engagement, and use of Japan's soft power To conclude, Japan–Iran relations remain defined by pragmatism, caution, and potential. While energy trade is currently dormant due to sanctions, Japan retains goodwill in Tehran and is poised to re-enter the market if geopolitical conditions permit. Diplomatically, Tokyo plays a vital role as a trusted interlocutor and advocate of de-escalation. Economically, Japan continues to signal interest, albeit quietly, in Iran's post-sanctions future — particularly in oil, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store