North Korea has officially acknowledged that it has deployed troops to Russia to assist in the ongoing war against Ukraine. This confirmation follows claims from intelligence agencies in the US, South Korea, and Ukraine, which reported that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to bolster Russian forces last year.
Previously, North Korea had neither confirmed nor denied these troop movements, but a statement from the Central Military Commission of its ruling Workers’ Party revealed the intention behind their deployment was to collaborate with Russian military operations. Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, indicated that the troops would aim to “annihilate” what he termed “Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers” and support military efforts to liberate the Kursk region.
In his comments, Kim hailed those who joined the fight as “heroes” and “representatives of the honour of the motherland.” The announcement comes amid reports from South Korean intelligence suggesting that additional North Korean troops may have been sent to Russia, particularly after earlier deployments suffered significant casualties, with estimates of around 4,000 soldiers killed or wounded, despite US estimates being lower.
This year, during a meeting with Russian Security Chief Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, Kim reiterated North Korea’s steadfast support for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a mutual defence treaty established in the previous year, with indications from Russian officials that discussions were underway regarding a potential visit by Kim to Moscow.
Besides troop support, North Korea has been supplying Russia with conventional arms, raising concerns in South Korea and the US about possible Russian technology transfers that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. In return, North Korea is anticipated to gain economic support and other forms of assistance from Russia.
North Korean soldiers are recognised for their strict discipline and training, but analysts caution that their inexperience in combat and unfamiliarity with the battlefield make them particularly vulnerable to drone and artillery strikes. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian military officials have noted that North Korean forces appear to be acquiring valuable combat experience, playing a critical role in Russia’s strategy to overwhelm Ukrainian positions, particularly in the fight for Kursk.