About 11,000 North Korean troops to begin fighting against Ukraine in November - Intelligence chief
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Approximately 11,000 North Korean infantry soldiers are undergoing training in eastern Russia to be deployed to fight against Ukraine. They are expected to start combat operations in November, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, reports The War Zone.
“They will be ready (to fight in Ukraine - ed.) on Nov. 1,” Budanov said.
According to him, the North Korean soldiers will be using Russian equipment and ammunition.
The first unit, consisting of 2,600 personnel, will head to Kursk, where, according to Budanov, Ukraine has established a foothold for intensive combat operations. The fate of the remaining troops is currently unknown.
“We don’t have the full picture right now,” he added.
North Korean troops in Ukraine
Previously, North Korea provided Russia with ammunition and missiles for use in the war against Ukraine. Now North Korea plans to send its troops to participate in the conflict.
According to RBC-Ukraine sources, North Korean military personnel are already in Ukraine. In early October, more than 20 enemy soldiers were eliminated near Donetsk, including North Korean army officers.
Western media report that North Korean soldiers are undergoing training in Russia, and thousands of servicemen could be sent to the front by the end of the year. RBC-Ukraine also reports that Russia is forming a special Buryat battalion composed of North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that North Korea was preparing a contingent for the war against Ukraine. This includes not only infantry units but also specialists from various military branches.
