North Korea to send thousands of sappers and builders to Russia's Kursk region
Photo: Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council (kremlin.ru)
Russia has reached an agreement with North Korea to send North Korean sappers and builders to assist with reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region, Interfax reports, citing Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu.
In particular, Shoigu said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had decided to send:
- 1,000 sappers for demining operations on Russian territory;
- 5,000 military construction workers to help restore damaged infrastructure in the region.
Secretary of the Russian Security Council also added that during the negotiations, the parties agreed to assist North Korea in the restoration of the Kursk region.
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea
In June 2024, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a so-called strategic partnership treaty agreement in Pyongyang, which included mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either country.
Shortly after, reports emerged that North Korean soldiers were being sent to Russia for military training.
In April 2025, Russia admitted that North Korean forces participate in the war against Ukraine. This followed reports that Ukrainian troops had captured several North Korean soldiers during battles in Russia's Kursk region.
Furthermore, North Korea has supplied Russia with weapons and missiles.
