North Korea is preparing to triple its troop deployment to Russia by sending an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to an intelligence assessment by Ukrainian officials obtained by CNN.
The report states that the new troops could arrive in Russia within the coming months, joining the 11,000 North Korean troops already sent last November to help repel Ukrainian forces from Russia’s Kursk region. Western officials estimate that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during this initial deployment.
The Ukrainian assessment notes that Russia’s Defense Ministry is providing the North Korean forces with the necessary weapons, equipment, and ammunition, aiming to fully integrate them into Russian combat units. It warns there is a “high probability” that North Korean troops will directly participate in combat operations in occupied areas of Ukraine, including in large-scale offensives.
Satellite images reviewed by CNN suggest Russian military aircraft are being modified to carry personnel, indicating imminent troop movements. North Korea’s cooperation with Russia has strengthened significantly since last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin confirming the deployment of North Korean forces in April.
