Ukraine claims Russia deployed 8,500 North Korean troops, including drone units

Ukraine's intelligence agency alleges that Russia has deployed around 8,500 North Korean troops in occupied territories, including units equipped with drones. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), revealed in an interview with CNN that these North Korean forces are mainly dispersed in the Kursk region.

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The North Korean troops already deployed in Russia are mainly dispersed in the Kursk region, and this includes 1,000 engineers and sappers, and 400 drone pilots.

Skibitskyi detailed that the deployed North Korean contingent includes approximately 1,000 engineers and sappers, along with 400 drone operators. He suggested that many of these soldiers have gained combat experience during their deployment and are expected to use drones for reconnaissance and attacks within Ukraine. This deployment is seen as a move to bolster Russian forces and allow them to concentrate on offensive operations within Ukraine.

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Many of them have gained combat experience based on their deployment period and are expected to scout and attack targets within Ukraine with drones.

Furthermore, Ukraine claims North Korea has been supplying Russia with ballistic missile technology. Skibitskyi stated that North Korea previously sent at least 150 KN-23 or KN-24 ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine. He added that North Korea has pledged to provide an additional 120 ballistic missiles, with 40 already delivered. Ukraine suspects two of these missiles were used in a recent attack on Radushne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which resulted in the deaths of at least four children from one family.

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North Korea has promised to provide an additional 120 ballistic missiles, 40 of which have already been delivered.

Skibitskyi also indicated that around 90 North Korean personnel are stationed in Voronezh, southwestern Russia, to support missile launches. He noted that ten large cargo planes, potentially carrying North Korean missiles, have landed at Baltimore airfield in the Voronezh region. The official mentioned that while the latest North Korean missile models have an increased range of 800 km, they often land with a deviation of 15-19 km from their targets, though North Korea is reportedly improving their accuracy and warhead capabilities. In return for its support, North Korea is said to be seeking Russia's S-400 air defense systems and has already received Pantsir-1 surface-to-air missile launchers.

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The latest models of North Korean missiles have an increased range of 800 km, but they often land 15-19 km away from their intended targets.