Newsletters
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate said at least 8,000 North Korean soldiers remain in Russia’s Kursk region, even after Moscow regained control of the area last year.
In information shared with the South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo, the directorate said North Korean troops have continued to operate in the region following Russia’s recapture of Kursk from Ukrainian forces.
According to the assessment, North Korean units have been tasked with bombing areas near the Ukrainian border and operating multiple launch rocket systems. Some soldiers are also believed to have been involved in unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
The intelligence agency said about 3,000 North Korean soldiers have returned home after gaining training and combat experience and are expected to be reassigned as instructors within the North Korean army.
The disclosure marks the first official confirmation by Ukrainian intelligence of a continued North Korean military presence in the region.
Military experts, noting that Ukrainian forces withdrew from the Kursk region, said North Korean units appear to have completed their frontline combat role and are now supporting Russian forces in defensive positions.
Analysts said the presence of North Korean troops could help Russia retain control of the area and prevent Ukraine from regaining leverage in future negotiations.
Under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Russia, North Korea sent an estimated 15,000 troops to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
About 1,000 of those troops were engineering units tasked with mine-clearing operations, according to reports.
Ukrainian officials have said at least 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in fighting on the Kursk front.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later awarded state medals to troops who returned alive from the deployment.
The Ukrainian army launched a surprise cross-border attack into Russia’s Kursk region on Aug. 6, 2024, triggering heavy fighting.
A state of emergency declared in the region was later upgraded to a federal-level emergency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the incursion as a “major provocation,” while Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on Aug. 7 that Ukraine’s advance had been halted.
Ukrainian forces initially took control of around 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said Ukrainian troops had seized more than 1,250 square kilometers and established control over 92 settlements in the Kursk region.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
