Ukraine and South Korea both claimed in mid-October that Pyongyang had deployed troops to aid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, likely as a result of a mutual defense pact signed in June.
In early October, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) claimed that Pyongyang had deployed troops to reinforce Moscow’s troops in Ukraine. In addition, media reports, citing HUR, claimed that six North Korean officers had been killed in a missile strike, with 18 more Pyongyang troops having allegedly deserted their positions near Ukraine.
HUR Chief Kyrylo Budanov said Oct. 18 that Pyongyang was preparing to send 11,000 troops to aid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Following the reports, Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) issued satellite images alleging North Korean troops in Russia’s Far East prior to their deployments in Ukraine. Videos circulating on social media around the time also depicted Korean-speaking soldiers in a Russian military base.
This is a developing story.
Latest
South Korea
North Korean POWs in Ukraine Seeking ‘New Life’ in South
Yu Yong-weon, a lawmaker who met with the prisoners during a visit to Ukraine in February, said the prisoners had described witnessing wounded comrades kill themselves with grenades.
Dec. 24, 2025
War in Ukraine
North Korean POWs in Ukraine Want to Go to South: Activist
One prisoner had already asked to live in South Korea when visited by one of the country’s lawmakers in February.
Nov. 2, 2025
Ukraine
Kim’s Troops Flying Recon Drones for Russia Near Sumy, Ukraine Says
Ukraine’s General Staff said Thursday that North Korean soldiers have been trained to fly reconnaissance drones to help Russian forces adjust fire, as Moscow and Pyongyang deepen their military ties.
Oct. 17, 2025
Putin
‘Unprecedented’ Surge in N. Korean Youth Seeking Military Service After Russia Deployment, Kim Says
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed an “unprecedented” number of North Korean youth want to enlist after Pyongyang sent troops to fight in Russia’s Kursk region.
Sept. 22, 2025
North Korea
About 2,000 North Korean Troops Killed in Russia Deployment: Seoul Spy Agency
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have said the North sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024 along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems
Sept. 2, 2025
Russia
North Korea’s Economic Surge from Supplying Russia’s War in Ukraine
North Korea’s economy grew 3.7% in 2024, the fastest annual pace of growth in eight years, driven by Pyongyang’s expanding economic and military ties with Russia.
Aug. 30, 2025
Russia
North Korea’s Kim Decorates Troops Who Fought for Russia Against Ukraine
Kim praised the “admirable” troops “who returned home with great honour” after enduring the “hail of bullets and bombs of the life-and-death war in the foreign country.”
Aug. 22, 2025
War in Ukraine
Putin Hails North Korean Troops as ‘Heroic’ in Letter to Kim
Putin added that the two countries would continue to “make a significant contribution to establishing a just and multi-polarised world order.”
Aug. 15, 2025
North Korea
Lavrov in North Korea for 3-Day State Visit
The Russian foreign minister will meet North Korean officials in the coastal resort of Wonson. The two countries may discuss North Korean weapons and troops for Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
July 11, 2025
War in Ukraine
North Korea to Reinforce Moscow With 30,000 Troops, Officials Say
Pyongyang is reportedly going to triple its troop deployments against Ukraine by sending another 25,000 to 30,000 troops to reinforce the 11,000 troops sent last year.
July 2, 2025
War in Ukraine
Kim Salutes Fallen DPRK Fighters Sent to Prop Up Putin’s War in Ukraine
Around 600 DPRK soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, according to South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, citing information from Seoul’s spy agency.
July 1, 2025
Russia
North Korea May Send More Troops to Russia for Ukraine War, Seoul Says
The additional troop deployment could happen as early as July or August, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Pyongyang is already preparing soldiers for the mission.
June 26, 2025
War in Ukraine
Russia Says North Korea to Send Builders, Deminers to Kursk
Russia’s Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu made the announcement during a visit to North Korea, where he held talks with leader Kim Jong Un for the second time in less than two weeks.
June 17, 2025
War in Ukraine
Over Half of North Korean Troops Fighting in Kursk Killed or Injured, Report Says
In a report published on Sunday, the ministry said that North Korea likely incurred over 6,000 casualties after it deployed soldiers to Kursk, which borders Ukraine, in the autumn of 2024.
June 16, 2025
Russia
Russia’s Shoigu Visits North Korea for Talks With Kim Jong Un
Russia and North Korea have grown closer in recent years. North Korea has sent weapons and troops to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to South Korean officials.
June 4, 2025
Ukraine
ANALYSIS: Ukraine and Russia’s Return to Peace Talks in Turkey, What’s Changed Since 2022?
Ukraine and Russia will return to peace negotiations after more than three years of brutal warfare. Can they negotiate a lasting peace this time?
May 14, 2025