Russia says North Korean troops are in Zaporizhzhia region — Ukraine responds
Illustrative photo: North Korean soldiers (GettyImages)
The information circulated by Russian media about North Korean troops arriving in the Zaporizhzhia direction has not been confirmed, stated Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
"As of 9:00 a.m., the Russian claims about the appearance of DPRK soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia direction have no confirmation," Kovalenko wrote.
Background
Earlier, Russian media began massively spreading reports alleging that North Korean troops had been deployed to the Huliaipole direction after two months of training at Russian military training areas.
No number of soldiers was specified, nor were any photos or video evidence provided.
Russian propaganda also circulated disinformation about the encirclement of Ukrainian units in the Huliaipole direction and the supposed presence of barrier troops blocking the withdrawal of the Defense Forces. On November 21, these claims were officially denied by the Ukrainian military.
Russia–North Korea cooperation
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, North Korea has become one of the Kremlin's key allies, sending ammunition, weapons, and personnel.
Earlier in November, it was reported that roughly 10,000 North Korean troops were currently positioned near Russia's border with Ukraine, carrying out security duties.
According to South Korean intelligence, out of those 10,000, more than 1,000 North Korean engineers have been involved in demining operations in border areas.
In addition, Pyongyang has sent around 5,000 more of its citizens, who have been arriving in Russia since September. They are expected to be used to help rebuild infrastructure in occupied territories.
In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership treaty in Pyongyang.
