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North Korea may deploy more troops to Ukraine front in coming months — South Korean intel

27 June, 2025 Friday
14:52

North Korea may send additional troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine in July or August. In addition, the DPRK continues to supply Moscow with weapons

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Reuters reports this, citing South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

“The timing of the additional deployment is that it could be as early as July or August,” said lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun following a closed-door briefing.

He noted that this conclusion is based on North Korea’s recent military recruitment drive and a recent visit to Pyongyang by a high-ranking Russian Security Council official.

According to the National Intelligence Service, in exchange for supplying artillery shells and missiles to Russia, North Korea is likely receiving technical advice on satellite launches and missile guidance systems.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Umerov: We are aware of North Korea’s plans to send new troops to assist Russia

Ukrainian intelligence has information about the possible preparation by North Korea (DPRK) to send a new group of military personnel to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine. This was reported by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, according to Radio Svoboda.

Rustem Umerov confirmed that, according to intelligence, such a deployment could take place in July or August. According to him, it is most likely related to combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, but Sumy region is not ruled out either. He added that, together with partners, the Ministry of Defense has detailed data on the movement and use of North Korean units and continues to analyze the threats.

The Ministry of Defense believes that such a decision by North Korea puts the security of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un at risk, as it involves depleting the country’s strategic reserve. In addition, the possible further use of the Korean contingent may indicate a shortage of mobilization resources within Russia itself.

Umerov added that North Korea has already involved about 11,000 servicemen from its elite contingent in the war against Ukraine—fighters specially selected based on physical, psychological, and other criteria. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has lost several waves of this so-called elite DPRK reserve.

“The use by Russia of the elite North Korean contingent indicates not only a deepening dependence on totalitarian regimes, but also real problems with its mobilization reserve. Together with our partners, we are monitoring these threats and will respond accordingly,” the minister emphasized.

How many troops could be involved?

According to Sky News, the National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea is likely to send an additional 6,000 troops to Russia.

The outlet noted that during a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader agreed to send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military construction workers to help with the reconstruction of Kursk.

  • Earlier, media reported that North Korea is considering sending 25,000 workers to a drone manufacturing plant in Russia to increase production volumes in exchange for training in UAV operation.
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