The new phase of international tensions is heightening as Ukrainian forces have alleged the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reported on the 23rd that North Korean soldiers have been sighted in Kursk, with approximately 12,000 troops believed to be stationed in Russia. These forces are training at five military bases in eastern Russia.
Russia appointed Deputy Defense Minister Yunus Bek Yevkurov to enhance training and oversight of North Korean troops. Reports indicate North Korean soldiers received training and supplies, including ammunition, bedding, and winter gear. Ukraine claims these troops adhere to Russian military regulations, which reportedly include monthly allocations of 50 meters (approximately 164 feet) of toilet paper and 300 grams (approximately 10.6 ounces) of soap.
Kyrylo Budanov, chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, has previously stated that North Korea agreed to send military personnel to Russia, including three generals and 500 officers. These forces are believed to support Russia’s operations in the Kursk region, a key battleground in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces reportedly captured parts of the area in August, though recent reports suggest a shift in control.
The Kursk region has become a flashpoint in the conflict, with intense fighting continuing between Russian and Ukrainian forces. While Ukraine initially claimed significant gains in late August, Western analysts indicate that Ukrainian troops have lost ground since September. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced that Russian forces are working to encircle 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the region.
In related news, Kyodo News reported that approximately 2,000 North Korean troops have finished their training and are now en route to western Russia. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently informed a parliamentary intelligence committee that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers have already moved to Russia, with projections of up to 10,000 being deployed by year’s end. John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, also confirmed that about 3,000 North Korean troops have been relocating to Russia since early October. This development poses significant security concerns for the international community, particularly regarding the Korean Peninsula.
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