8,500 North Korean Troops Now in Russia, Ukraine Says
North Korea has sent a new contingent of around 8,500 troops to Russia, including approximately 400 drone operators, Ukrainian military intelligence Deputy Head Vadym Skibitskyi told CNN. The troops are expected to reinforce Russian rear positions, potentially freeing Russian forces for frontline assaults. Skibitskyi said Moscow could seek up to 50,000 additional North Korean troops, while…
Ukraine claims that approximately 8,500 North Korean troops are currently stationed in Russia, with potential capabilities to assist in attacks within Ukraine. This deployment, consisting primarily of drone operators and engineers, is situated in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The Ukrainian military intelligence official, Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitskyi, stated that these troops are not expected to engage directly in Ukraine but will reinforce Russian forces in the rear, potentially redirecting them towards front-line assaults.
Skibitskyi noted that Russia might request up to 50,000 additional North Korean troops during an upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, the North Korean military is bolstering its support for Russia by delivering ballistic missiles, including at least 150 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles, with around 40 already transported and two reportedly utilized in a Russian strike in July.
This ammunition delivery coincides with Ukraine’s dwindling supply of US-made Patriot interceptors, which are crucial for countering such missile attacks.
Furthermore, around 90 North Korean personnel have been dispatched to Voronezh to aid in missile launches, with 10 significant cargo flights landing at the Baltimore airfield in Voronezh, possibly carrying additional missiles. These missiles reportedly possess a range of up to 800 kilometers, though they are noted for their inaccuracy, often deviating by between 15 and 19 kilometers.
North Korea seeks Russian air defense technology, having already received a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile system, and Russia is providing S-400 air defense systems in exchange.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that around 25,000 North Korean troops have served in Russia since October 2024, when the initial deployment of about 10,000 troops occurred. This expansion of North Korean involvement in Russia's war effort includes drone warfare, missile operations, and technical cooperation, reflecting a more integrated role beyond traditional military contributions.
North Korea began deploying troops to support Russia's Ukraine campaign in October 2024, following an official acknowledgment of their participation in April 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
