North Korea Deploys Spy Teams to Russia-Ukraine Frontlines—What Are They Really After?

Intelligence sources revealed on Sunday that hundreds of operatives from North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), responsible for operations against South Korea and foreign nations, have been deployed to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to Daily NK, which cited an anonymous source inside North Korea, the operatives were instructed to bridge the gap between their training and actual combat conditions by actively learning from Russian forces. The mission reportedly includes gathering tactical intelligence and battlefield insights.

North Korea Directs RGB to Gather Battlefield Intel

North Korea began deploying RGB personnel in October following a request from Russia for military support. Preparations included rigorous physical fitness tests, tactical drills, Russian language training, and familiarization with Russian military equipment. Analysts suggest that these efforts underscore North Korea’s intent to use the conflict as a training ground for its operatives.

Once deployed, the operatives have been tasked with intelligence gathering, special operations support, electronic surveillance, and signal jamming. Some units reportedly conduct cyber operations to monitor Ukrainian troop movements and relay real-time intelligence. Some personnel have already entered combat zones, while others receive additional training in Russia’s Far East.

North Korean Units Assist in Combat Analysis and Target Selection

Specialized units trained in assassinations, abductions, and sabotage are reportedly involved in analyzing battlefield conditions to identify high-value targets. Their missions appear to include deploying suicide drones against enemy leadership, aiming to erode the opponent’s will to fight.

Sources indicate that North Korea hopes to leverage this military cooperation to forge a blood-sealed alliance with Russia, potentially easing its international isolation and countering UN sanctions.

This operation is part of North Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its alliance with Russia. Pyongyang hopes to secure long-term geopolitical advantages, counter international sanctions, and reduce global isolation by assisting Moscow on the battlefield.

However, the deployment raises concerns about North Korean operatives being exposed to external information during electronic warfare operations. To minimize this risk, strict control measures have been implemented. Operatives are under constant surveillance and forbidden from discussing external news, even with Russian forces.