Ukraine’s military intelligence service has reported the presence of North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine and has seen increased military activity in recent months. The development raises concerns over deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, a relationship that Ukraine and its allies have repeatedly warned could escalate the conflict.
In a statement posted on Telegram, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence revealed that North Korean troops, initially trained in Russia’s Far East, were spotted in Kursk on Wednesday. These soldiers are part of a larger contingent of 12,000 troops being trained at five military grounds across Russia, according to Ukrainian sources. Reports also mention that these soldiers include 500 officers and three generals, with several weeks allocated for military coordination exercises.
The Kremlin had initially dismissed these allegations, but at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin neither confirmed nor denied the deployment. He acknowledged that Russia maintains contact with Pyongyang, stating, “What and how we will do is our business.”
Growing Military Alliance Raises Alarm
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Russia may be using these North Korean troops to bolster its offensive along the frontlines. Zelensky claimed that Russia is preparing to deploy two military units from North Korea, each comprising about 6,000 soldiers. Some of these North Korean personnel, he added, have been observed in occupied Ukrainian territories.
The reports have prompted sharp reactions from Ukraine’s allies. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis described the situation as a major escalation, warning that the conflict is now becoming a global issue. “It’s no longer regional or just European—it affects everybody,” Landsbergis said during an interview with CNN.
Evidence of Arms Transfers Between North Korea and Russia
This potential troop deployment comes amid accusations that North Korea has already been supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia to support its campaign in Ukraine. Reports suggest thousands of tons of munitions have been transferred, with Russia allegedly compensating North Korea with food and essential supplies. Both countries have denied the arms shipments, but independent investigations, including CNN’s geolocation of troop movements near the Sergeevka training ground along the Russia-China border, suggest otherwise.
A Dangerous New Phase
The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has drawn global attention. In June 2024, the two countries signed a defense pact, pledging mutual military support. With the reported deployment of North Korean soldiers, Ukraine’s allies fear this partnership could result in a broader escalation of the conflict.
As tensions rise, the unfolding developments reflect how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is increasingly shaping into a conflict with global implications, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
