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🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

Explainer-What we know about North Korean forces joining Russia's war against Ukraine

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Explainer Named sources Context piece
  • North Korea has deployed troops, weapons, and a missile unit to support Russia's war in Ukraine, marking its most significant involvement in a conflict since the 1950s.
  • Reports indicate a North Korean missile unit is deploying to western Russia with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers.
  • Assessments suggest North Korea has sent between 10,000 and 15,000 troops to Russia, with some having fought in Ukraine's Kursk region.

North Korea's military involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine has escalated significantly, with reports of deployed troops, weapons, and a missile unit. This marks Pyongyang's most substantial engagement in a foreign conflict since the Korean War in the 1950s.

A North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia and could be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for attacks on Ukraine

— Official at Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agencyThis statement details the latest reported deployment of North Korean military assets to support Russia's war efforts.

Recent intelligence from Ukraine's GUR military agency claims a North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia. This unit is reportedly equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, potentially for attacks on Ukraine. The unit comprises approximately 90 personnel and is expected to be based in Russia's Voronezh region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated in July that Russia sought an additional 30,000 North Korean troops and was preparing facilities in Voronezh. While Reuters could not independently verify these claims, various assessments from Ukrainian, U.S., and South Korean sources estimate the number of North Korean troops sent to Russia between late 2024 and early 2025 to be between 10,000 and 15,000.

Russia wanted to bring in another 30,000 North Korean troops and was preparing facilities in Voronezh to receive them.

— Volodymyr ZelenskiyThe Ukrainian President's statement highlights Russia's alleged plans to further increase its reliance on North Korean manpower.

Some of these troops have reportedly fought against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region. Russia's military commander praised their role after Moscow claimed to have retaken territory in Kursk, while Pyongyang stated the deployment was ordered by leader Kim Jong Un. Beyond combat troops, North Korea has also agreed to send sappers and military construction workers to assist with demining and rebuilding infrastructure in Kursk.

more than 12,000 North Korean soldiers were in Russia.

— U.S. deputy ambassador to the United NationsThis figure, stated in January 2025, provides an early U.S. assessment of the scale of North Korean troop deployment.

Furthermore, North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery and mortar rounds, ballistic missiles, and rocket systems. An analysis of shipping data revealed numerous voyages by Russian-flagged cargo ships to North Korea's Rajin port, transporting substantial amounts of ammunition to Russian ports between September 2023 and March 2025.

around 9,500 North Korean troops remained in Kursk, but were not then directly involved in operations against Ukraine.

— Ukrainian and South Korean estimatesThis estimate provides a later update on troop numbers and their operational status in the Kursk region.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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