Reuters: South Korea confirms over 10,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia

More than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine, with many stationed in frontline areas, South Korea’s defense ministry announced on 5 November, according to Reuters.

Russia has intensified military ties with North Korea since February 2022, securing ballistic missiles, and more than 2 million artillery rounds, with both countries signing a mutual defense pact in June. Previously, South Korea reported 3,000 North Korean troops training in Russia, with a planned increase to 10,000 by December. Ukraine confirmed initial units have arrived in the Kursk combat zone.

Jeon Ha-kyou, a spokesperson for Seoul’s defense ministry, told a briefing, citing intelligence authorities:

“We understand that more than 10,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, and a significant number of them have moved to the frontline areas including Kursk.“

When questioned about potential combat engagement and South Korean media reports citing an unnamed government official claiming up to 40 North Korean troops had been killed in battle, Jeon said he had no information to provide, according to Reuters.

The Pentagon has earlier confirmed the presence of at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk, near the Ukraine border, but stated it could not verify reports of their combat involvement.

According to the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence’s earlier reports, approximately 12,000 North Korean troops are present in Russia, including 500 officers and three generals, with training activities occurring at five military bases. Some 7,000 deployed near Ukraine, according to intelligence data.

Related: