Ukraine's intelligence reveals number and main mission of North Korean troops in Russia

Ukrainian intelligence has disclosed the presence and primary role of North Korean soldiers in Russia, according to a report by the BBC on August 18. Approximately 8,600 North Koreans are currently stationed in Russia, organized into four brigades operating under Russia's Sever force, though not currently engaged in combat. Their primary mission is to secure Russia's state border. These troops are predominantly under 30 years of age, based on information from Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.

The North Korean contingent operates on a rotational basis, with a total of 23,000 to 25,000 personnel involved. The intelligence estimates that the contingent has sustained up to 3,000 permanent losses, comprising up to 1,500 casualties. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, suggested that Russia could deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops on its territory.

In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed extensive intelligence on Russia's intentions for the fall, stating that Russia planned to receive an additional 30,000 soldiers from North Korea. On August 5, Reuters cited Ukrainian intelligence official Andrii Cherniak, reporting that North Korea was deploying a missile unit to Russia for strikes against Ukraine, potentially including 120 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles and six launchers.

Further on August 10, Zelenskyy announced that Russia had received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea and intended to deploy another contingent of North Korean soldiers onto Russian soil.