North Korean troops spotted helping Russia strike Ukraine, UK intelligence says
Illustrative photo: North Korea helps Russia in strikes on Sumy region (Getty Images)
For the first time, North Korean troops have been spotted directly supporting Russia’s offensive operations against Ukraine. They are helping carry out strikes on the Sumy region, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
Direct involvement
According to the report, DPRK soldiers stationed in Russia’s Kursk region are involved in coordinating reconnaissance operations and assisting in launching strikes on Ukrainian territory.
This is the first recorded example of North Korean troops being seen directly supporting or aiding Russia’s offensive actions against Ukraine.
According to British intelligence, North Korean drone system operators are helping Russian forces target missile strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region.
Drones of North Korean production are being used to adjust the fire of multiple launch rocket systems, increasing the accuracy of Russian attacks.
Losses among DPRK troops
According to the report, North Korean soldiers likely previously conducted drone operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region. But their main role has been participation in ground combat alongside Russian troops.
UK intelligence notes that North Korea is using this conflict to boost the combat readiness of its army and improve its drone technology.
Over 6,000 North Koreans killed in Kursk region
According to British intelligence, North Korea has lost 6,000 troops in fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This is more than half of the approximately 11,000 soldiers North Korea has deployed to the area.
Intelligence emphasizes that any decisions to deploy North Korean troops onto Ukrainian territory require coordination between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, DPRK troops are assisting the Russians by operating drones and adjusting strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region. They are acting from the territory of the Kursk region.
