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Russia to Deploy North Korean Troops in Ukraine, Intelligence Claims

Ukrainian officials report plans for North Korean soldiers to operate in Russian-occupied territories under Russian command and uniforms.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) after a signing ceremony following their bilateral talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024.
President Putin and Kim Jong-un met in Pyongyang last year
A wounded North Korean soldier, captured by Ukrainian forces, is seen in this file photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X account on Jan. 12, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Russia reportedly plans to deploy North Korean soldiers in Ukrainian territories it claims as part of the Russian Federation, dressing them in Russian uniforms.
  • North Korea has already sent approximately 14,000 troops to support Russian forces, primarily in the Kursk region, with about 4,000 casualties reported so far.
  • Pyongyang has shipped over 15,800 containers of munitions to Russia, supplying up to half of all artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
  • North Korea has earned nearly ₩28.7 trillion (approximately $20 billion) from its military cooperation with Russia, including munitions, troop deployments, and labor exports.
  • In exchange for its support, North Korea seeks advanced military technology and technical assistance from Russia to bolster its strategic weapons programs.