Why did Russia mobilize troops near the North Korean border?

A Russian military official recently commented on a British press allegation that Russia “is deploying troops and military equipment to the border between Russia and North Korea.”

According to Sputnik news agency, on April 20, the Daily Mail (UK) reported that Russia is said to be "sending troops and military equipment to the Russia-North Korea border" due to concerns that the US is "preparing to attack" North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The newspaper asserted that Russia fears there will be a large influx of refugees from North Korea if Washington decides to use military measures against Pyongyang.

Russian marines during an exercise.

In response, spokesman for the Russian Eastern Military District, Alexander Gordeev, said that the activities of Russian infantry forces in the above area were all planned in advance.

“All the activities of the troops and military equipment in the area are carried out according to the pre-planned military exercise plan. The exercises are held from April 3 to April 29. These units need to be trained in areas they have never been to before,” he said.

Mr. Gordeev also said that the Russian army has practiced deploying air defense and air force units in the Buryatia region (eastern Siberia), while artillery has conducted drills in areas around Lake Baikal.

Previously, Deputy Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Russian Senate Frants Klintsevich said that the Russian military's activities in the country's Far East were part of a military exercise plan approved by the government, and affirmed that the Daily Mail's information was just speculation.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been high following North Korea’s nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The most recent missile test was on April 16, but was deemed unsuccessful.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry said the launch had not been officially announced and that the activities were Pyongyang's "legitimate right." North Korea had previously warned that it was ready to launch a preemptive missile strike in the event of US aggression. It said it would attack US bases in Japan, South Korea or even US territory if it felt threatened.

According to Infonet