Overview
- North Korea sent a mixed formation of army, navy and air force troops through Red Square during Saturday’s Victory Day parade, and Vladimir Putin later met the unit commander to express thanks, according to state media.
- South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the display was meant to show deepening military ties with Russia in what officials and experts describe as alliance-like solidarity.
- Intelligence assessments report Pyongyang has deployed roughly 10,000 to 15,000 combat troops to support Russia since a June 2024 pact, with thousands reported killed or wounded and figures varying by source.
- This year’s parade was scaled back with no tanks or missiles, a change multiple outlets linked to concern over Ukrainian drone strikes.
- North Korean outlets splashed the march across front pages to legitimize the deployment, while analysts warn battlefield lessons in drones and artillery could heighten threats on the Korean Peninsula.