Russia reportedly brings North Korean troops to Kursk region for demining
Photo: North Korean soldiers (GettyImages)
North Korean troops are continuing to assist Russian forces in operations on occupied territory, deepening cooperation between the two regimes and underscoring Pyongyang’s role in the war against Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said North Korean units that had previously helped Russian forces hold back Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the Kursk region are now engaged in mine-clearance operations.
According to South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western intelligence assessments, Pyongyang has deployed roughly 14,000 troops to support Russia’s war, with more than 6,000 reported killed in combat.
Ukrainian forces entered the region in August 2024 and held significant areas for months. Moscow later claimed it regained control with the support of North Korean units.
Expanding military cooperation
Russian officials have framed North Korea’s involvement in engineering and demining tasks as evidence of growing strategic ties. Pyongyang has said the cooperation will "advance non-stop".
Footage released by Moscow shows North Korean troops being trained on explosive ordnance before participating in joint exercises.
"They're great lads, they learn quickly, listen attentively, and take notes," said a Russian commander with the call sign "Veles".
A second commander, "Lesnik", said: "They are on an equal level with my sappers, carrying out the same tasks as my lads."
High casualties in heavily mined areas
Russian media reported that the units are encountering an "previously unseen density" of landmines allegedly laid by Ukrainian forces during their advance.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praised what he called the "selfless, heroic assistance" provided by North Korean soldiers, saying:
"We will never forget this help. This work continues. It is dangerous and difficult, but our Korean friends are truly helping us, and we greatly appreciate it," he said.
Rising tensions on Korean Peninsula
North Korea has warned that recent US–South Korean military consultations and joint drills pose a direct threat to its security and said it is prepared to take "offensive measures" if pressure continues.
In recent days, Pyongyang also conducted another ballistic missile test toward the eastern sea, confirmed by South Korea’s military and Japanese authorities.
