Ukraine’s military intelligence announced that a group of North Korean soldiers has been spotted in Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine and has seen ongoing military operations. These troops reportedly received training in Russia’s far east and have since moved to western Russia, where Ukraine has launched an incursion.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine claimed that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia and are currently undergoing training at five military grounds in eastern Russia. The presence of these troops marks a potential escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.
Initially, the Kremlin denied allegations of North Korean troop involvement, but Russian President Vladimir Putin did not dismiss the claims during the BRICS summit on Thursday. Reports from last week indicated that North Korean troops had arrived at the Sergeevka training ground near Russia’s border with China.
This development aligns with intelligence from both Ukraine and the US, with the latter confirming that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers had entered Russia this month. Ukrainian intelligence further revealed that these forces include 500 officers and three generals.
Ukraine Reports North Korean Troops Deployed in Russia’s Kursk Region Amid Rising Military Cooperation
Ukraine has repeatedly warned that the strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea could result in a more direct North Korean role in the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently disclosed that Russia was training two North Korean military units, each comprising around 6,000 soldiers.
He added that North Korean officers and technical staff have been observed in Russian-occupied territories, raising concerns that Russia is preparing these forces to potentially enter Ukraine.
The involvement of North Korean soldiers has alarmed Ukraine’s allies. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis expressed his concern, describing it as a significant escalation in the conflict.
He emphasized that the war is no longer a regional or European issue but a global one that affects everyone. The deployment of North Korean troops and growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea signal an intensification of the conflict, with far-reaching implications.
Russia and North Korea have strengthened ties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, formalizing their relationship with a landmark defense pact in June. Both nations pledged to provide military assistance to one another if attacked, and North Korea has faced accusations of supplying arms to Russia, although both countries have denied these claims.
Despite the denials, there is substantial evidence of arms transfers, which have helped Russia replenish its stockpiles, while North Korea is believed to have received food and other essential goods in return.
