Ukraine’s Intelligence claims North Korean soldiers have arrived in Russia’s Kursk region

According to the report from Ukrainian intelligence, the first units of military personnel from the DPRK, who had undergone training at the training grounds of the Far East, had already arrived in the Kursk region on October 23.

The training and coordination of the DPRK army soldiers who arrived in Russia is allegedly taking place at five military training grounds of the Eastern Military District. According to estimates by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the number of North Korean soldiers transferred to Russia is currently around 12,000 people , including 500 officers, including three generals .

Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-Bek Yevkurov was allegedly appointed responsible for monitoring the training and adaptation of the DPRK troops.

Ukrainian officials expressed concern over the potential implications of North Korean involvement in the conflict, with Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Rustem Umerov stating that “the inclusion of North Korean forces could alter the dynamics on the ground and further complicate the situation for Ukraine and its allies.”

Russia has faced increasing difficulty in maintaining its troop levels and logistical support as the conflict drags on, leading some experts to speculate that Moscow may be turning to unconventional allies for assistance. However, the international community, including the United Nations, has issued strong warnings against North Korean involvement in foreign conflicts, citing international sanctions on the isolated regime.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the report, experts note that even limited North Korean involvement could have serious repercussions for regional stability, as North Korea is known for its disciplined military forces and willingness to defy international norms. The United States and other NATO members have already voiced concerns about the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea, warning that the alliance could escalate tensions across East Asia and impact global security.

If confirmed, the deployment would mark one of the most concrete instances of North Korean support for Russia since the invasion began, underscoring the increasingly complex web of alliances forming around the Ukraine conflict.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | Kyiv.