North Korea Deploys 12,000 Troops to Attack Ukraine From Russia

The Government of North Korea deployed approximately 11,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia's Kursk Oblast starting in late 2024 to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Operating under Russian command, these forces utilize barrel artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, and aerial and artillery reconnaissance to launch attacks on Ukrainian border communities, including those in the Sumy Oblast. The deployment follows a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.

According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, North Korea is using the conflict to master unmanned technologies and gain experience in high-intensity warfare. To facilitate this knowledge transfer, approximately 3,000 experienced soldiers have already returned to North Korea to serve as instructors.

Reports indicate that the deployment involves regular troop rotations managed by a bilateral agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang. In addition to combat roles, Russian servicemen noted that North Korean engineers have conducted demining operations within the region.