North Korean drone operators deploy to Russia for potential strikes inside Ukraine

On August 21, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Deputy Head Vadym Skibitskiy reported to CNN that North Korean troops in Russia have been augmented with a specialized drone unit. This deployment, which currently totals 8,500 personnel, includes 1,000 engineers and deminers, and 400 drone operators. The drone operators, many of whom have prior experience, will potentially be used for both reconnaissance and attacks inside Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence suggests these troops will not engage in combat on Ukrainian soil, but will instead bolster Russia's rear positions, thereby freeing up Russian troops for operations inside Ukraine. Skibitskiy also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin may request an additional 50,000 North Korean troops. This is the first indication that the new wave of North Korean troops possesses drone capabilities, following initial warnings from Ukraine in October that North Korean attack drones had been operating on their territory.

As of now, approximately 25,000 North Koreans have been deployed or rotated through Russia's military, and North Korea has sent 40 out of 120 promised KN 23 or KN 24 ballistic missiles to Ukraine, with two reportedly used in an attack on Radushne near Kryvyi Rih on July 30, resulting in the deaths of at least four children. In exchange for Russia's support, North Korea has requested the Russian S400 air defense system and has already received a Pantsir 1 surface-to-air missile launcher.