North Korean Troops in Russia: Ukraine Claims Presence of 12,000 Soldiers, Including Generals

• Oct 25, 2024

According to Ukrainian intelligence, around 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, have reportedly joined Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned earlier this week that Ukrainian forces had observed North Korean officers in the Russian-occupied Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, indicating potential involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean soldiers. Speaking at the BRICS summit, he deflected blame for the escalation, attributing it to the West’s support for Ukraine. Putin emphasized that Russia’s actions were defensive, adding that Ukraine’s allies were “fanning the flames” of the war by providing support to Kyiv. Despite avoiding direct comments on North Korean troops, Putin referenced a recent “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Russia and North Korea, which includes mutual assistance if either nation faces aggression.

The North Korean government has labeled reports of its troops being deployed to assist Russia as “groundless rumors.” However, Ukrainian military intelligence stated that its spies recorded sightings of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region, an area close to Ukraine. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has stated that the North Korean troops in Russia are equipped with ammunition, winter gear, and other essential supplies, indicating a readiness for extended operations.

Moscow has appointed Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov to oversee the training and integration of these North Korean troops, according to HUR. This development suggests Russia views the North Korean support as a meaningful addition to its military resources, especially in its confrontation with the West. HUR also emphasized that Russia has high expectations for this new alliance with North Korea, seeing it as a crucial component in its military strategy against Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy addressed the complex logistics involved, noting that language barriers and training would likely pose challenges. “I think they sent the officers first to understand what’s going on,” he said, highlighting the difficulties Russian forces may face when working with troops from another country.

The details around North Korea’s involvement remain murky, with both sides offering different perspectives. While Putin’s government insists that it can choose any military partnerships it deems necessary, Ukraine’s reports indicate that Russia is increasingly leaning on North Korean resources as it faces Western-supported Ukrainian forces.