North Korean instructors help Russian army in building training ground near Mariupol

He shared this information on Espreso TV.

"The Russian army has begun constructing another military base near Azovstal, in the heavily damaged area of Mariupol. This was done intentionally, with a 5-kilometer perimeter demolished for the military base. While construction isn't progressing at a frantic pace, the Russian army is currently using Azovstal as a military base, along with parts of the Azovstal plant on the outskirts, where they are positioning and hiding their air defense systems," said Andriushchenko.

According to him, the Russian army has set up a training ground between Mariupol and the village of Sartana, with help from North Korean instructors who are still present to assist the Russians in protecting this site.

"During training at this ground, the Russian army blocks roads and monitors the movement of people and equipment, making it a distinct training area compared to others. Our information indicates that they are training to use North Korean weapons, which are being supplied to the Russian army quite actively. This training ground was built recently, shortly after the first North Korean instructors were struck by Ukraine near Donetsk on October 3, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers, including six North Korean officers. Now, for security reasons, they have relocated to Mariupol, as it remains a safe rear area for them," commented Petro Andriushchenko.

Military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK

On October 4, the Kyiv Post reported that 20 soldiers were killed in a missile strike on occupied Donetsk, including six North Korean military personnel advising the Russian army.

The South Korean Defense Minister warned on October 8 that North Korea may deploy troops to Ukraine in support of Russia.

At an October 17 press conference in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Russia's plan to train 10,000 North Korean soldiers for combat in Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, later reported that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia, preparing for deployment to Ukraine. He added that the first unit of 2,600 soldiers is en route to Kursk, where Ukraine has established a stronghold.

Ukraine has since shared intelligence with NATO about North Korea’s military involvement and requested data from alliance members.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the participation of the North Korean military in the war against Ukraine on the side of Russia would mean a “significant escalation.” 

Later, it was reported that South Korea was considering providing Ukraine with military and intelligence assistance in response to North Korea's sending its military to fight on the side of Russia.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported that on October 23, the North Korean military was spotted in the Kursk region.

On October 25, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that according to intelligence, the first North Korean military would be used by Russia in combat zones on October 27-28.

Later, South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea plans to send a second group of military personnel to Russia, totaling up to 10,000 troops.