About 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russian combat units, says Ukrainian intelligence

As reported by Radio Liberty, Cherniak stated that these 2,000 troops have been assigned to the naval brigade and the airborne division. While they may not be directly on the front lines, they are still involved in combat operations and supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

According to Cherniak, North Korean troops will either participate in active combat in Ukraine or in Russia’s Kursk region or stay in reserve on the second line of defense, which still poses a threat to Ukraine. He added that these soldiers are currently receiving both general military training and specialized instruction as UAV operators at training grounds in Kursk.

Cherniak explained that once they return to North Korea, these soldiers will be trained specialists capable of operating UAVs and serving as instructors. He noted that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers, or however many return, will be able to train North Korea’s one-million-strong army in new combat tactics and technology.

• On November 19, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers have probably been deployed to Russia's Kursk region.