Ukraine intelligence: 8,500 North Korean troops deployed in Russia, Putin may request 50,000 more

Ukraine's military intelligence alleges that Russia has deployed around 8,500 North Korean troops, including specialized drone units, primarily stationed in Russia's Kursk region. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), stated that the deployed North Korean forces include 1,000 engineers and demining personnel, and 400 drone operators. Skibitskyi claims many of these drone operators have prior experience, either directly or indirectly, from previous North Korean troop deployments.

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The deployed North Korean forces include engineers and demining personnel, and drone operators. Many of these drone operators have prior experience, either directly or indirectly, from previous North Korean troop deployments.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the North Korean drones are likely being used for reconnaissance and attacks on targets within Ukraine. Skibitskyi suggested that the North Korean troops are not directly engaging on Ukrainian territory but are instead reinforcing Russian rear positions. This deployment, he explained, allows Russian forces to be redeployed to the front lines in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Skibitskyi asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin might request up to 50,000 additional troops from North Korea when he meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. Ukraine estimates that North Korea has supplied a cumulative total of 25,000 troops to Russia, with the first deployment to the Kursk region occurring in October 2024. Initial estimates suggested around 10,000 troops were sent then, suffering significant casualties due to large-scale assault tactics.

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The North Korean drones are likely being used for reconnaissance and attacks on targets within Ukraine.

Beyond troop contributions, Ukraine claims North Korea's support extends to missile supplies. Skibitskyi alleged that North Korea provided Russia with at least 150 KN-23 or KN-24 ballistic missiles before August of last year, with an additional 120 missiles agreed upon for future delivery. Ukraine believes North Korea is using the conflict in Ukraine to gather real-world launch data to improve its missile accuracy and warhead performance. In return for troop and ammunition provisions, Ukraine believes North Korea is seeking S-400 air defense systems from Russia and has already received Pantsir surface-to-air missile systems.

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Putin may request up to 50,000 additional troops from North Korea when he meets with Kim Jong Un in September.