North Korea is sending additional troops to further support Russia’s military campaign. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, this contingent includes approximately 400 personnel skilled in drone operations, capable of conducting surveillance and launching attacks within Ukraine.
This information was disclosed by Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence. He stated that around 8,500 North Korean troops are currently present in Russia, with the majority deployed in the Kursk region. The force also includes about 1,000 engineers and mine-clearing specialists.
Skibitskyi noted that many of the 400 drone operators in this new group gained experience in drone warfare during previous deployments or through training. Their drones could be used to monitor and strike various targets in Ukraine.
Possibility of Requesting Another 50,000 Troops
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russian President Vladimir Putin might request an additional 50,000 troops during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un next September. However, Kim’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, has dismissed such claims as “baseless and fabricated.”
According to Skibitskyi, it is unlikely that North Korean troops will engage in direct combat on Ukrainian soil. Instead, they may be used to reinforce Russian rear-line positions, thereby freeing up Russian troops to conduct offensive operations on the front lines. He also claimed that, to date, approximately 25,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to or have rotated through duties in Russia.
North Korean Troop Deployment Began in 2024
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the first major deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region began in October 2024. These troops were utilized to prevent Ukrainian forces from advancing into Russian territory.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia in the initial phase, and a significant number of them suffered casualties. The Ukrainian side claims that North Korean troops employed large-scale frontal assaults and high-risk tactics while fighting alongside Russian forces.
Initially, North Korea did not publicly acknowledge sending troops. However, in April 2025, the country confirmed for the first time that its soldiers were participating in the war against Ukraine.
Skibitskyi also claimed that North Korean soldiers wounded in the conflict returned home and shared their experiences of modern warfare—including drone combat—with their colleagues.
Increasing Missile Support
Ukrainian intelligence agencies claim that North Korea is supporting Russia not only with manpower but also with ballistic missiles. According to Skibitskyi, North Korea supplied Russia with at least 150 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles prior to August of last year. Additionally, a commitment was made to supply another 120 missiles.
Some of these missiles have been used against various targets in Ukraine. Ukraine claims it has limited capability to intercept ballistic missiles, and its stockpiles of US-made Patriot defense system missiles are under strain.
Skibitskyi further claimed that the modern versions of the missiles supplied by North Korea have a range of approximately 800 kilometers. However, they often strike 15 to 19 kilometers away from their intended targets. He also asserted that North Korea is using the deployment of these missiles in Ukraine as an opportunity to improve its targeting accuracy and explosive payload capabilities.
North Korean Personnel Operating Missiles in Russia
Ukrainian intelligence claims that approximately 90 North Korean personnel are assisting with missile launch operations in Russia’s Voronezh region. It is also reported that at least 10 large cargo planes from North Korea—suspected of carrying missiles—have landed at the Baltimore airbase in the Voronezh area.
According to Skibitskyi, two missiles used in an attack on the Radushne area of the Dnipro region on July 30 are suspected to be of North Korean origin. Ukraine claims that at least four children from the same family were killed in that attack. Pyongyang Seeks Arms from Russia in Exchange
Skibitsky also stated that North Korea is seeking advanced air defense technology from Russia in exchange for providing manpower and military equipment. He claims that Pyongyang has requested the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. North Korea has already received a Pantsir-1 surface-to-air missile system.
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has deepened rapidly over the past two years. The two nations signed a mutual defense pact—akin to NATO—roughly two years ago. Consequently, Pyongyang’s military support regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine is no longer limited to sending troops; it has expanded to include the exchange of drones, missiles, and military technology.
This situation is raising concerns among NATO member states. In particular, discussions regarding the potential for diplomatic engagement with North Korea have resurfaced following US President Donald Trump’s announcement to scale back military exercises with South Korea.
