North Korea deploys 12,000 soldiers to Russia, with some already in Kursk region - Ukraine's Intelligence
Photo: Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia (Getty Images)
North Korea has deployed around 12,000 troops to Russia, with some already in the combat zone in the Kursk region, according to Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"The first units of military personnel from North Korea, who underwent training at eastern Russian training grounds, have already arrived in the combat zone — specifically, their presence was recorded in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation on October 23, 2024," the Defense Intelligence reported.
Overall, according to intelligence estimates, the number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia is currently around 12,000, including 500 officers, among them three generals from Pyongyang.
Training and staffing of North Korean troops in Russia
The training of North Korean soldiers who arrived in Russia is taking place at five military training grounds located in the eastern part of the aggressor state. Russia plans to spend several weeks preparing these troops for their involvement in the war against Ukraine.
The deputy minister of defense of Russia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, has been appointed to oversee the training and adaptation of the North Korean forces.
Meanwhile, the Defense Intelligence has learned that the soldiers sent by Pyongyang are being supplied with:
- ammunition
- bedding
- winter clothing
- footwear
- hygiene products
In particular, each North Korean soldier will receive, according to established norms, 50 meters of toilet paper and 300 grams of soap monthly from Moscow.
The Kremlin has high hopes for the North Korean component in the war against Ukraine and in the broader global confrontation with the West.
North Korean troops in Russia
North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russian territory. According to intelligence data, this involved around 11,000 soldiers.
In particular, the head of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korean troops could be deployed to the Kursk region. Budanov noted that in exchange for personnel and missiles, North Korea might request technologies from Russia for tactical nuclear weapons.
As reported by the Financial Times, Putin is betting on North Korean soldiers to reclaim parts of the Kursk region currently under Ukrainian control.
