North Korea’s ‘Warfare Machine’ in Action: New Video Shows Troops Entering Russian Camp

Footage and images of North Korean troops reportedly deployed to Russia are circulating widely on social media, sparking international interest. The Washington Post reported on Friday that videos from the pro-Russian Telegram channel ParaPax show North Korean soldiers arriving at the Sergeyevka training facility in Russia’s Far East.

The video captures North Korean troops entering the training center in succession, carrying backpacks and rifles. A voice, speaking in Russian, can be heard saying, “They’re coming in running,” accompanied by exaggerated remarks such as “More are coming” and “There are hundreds of them here now.”

According to The Washington Post, the footage shows dozens of men of North Korean descent briefly conversing in North Korean dialect at Sergeyevka, located roughly 5,000 miles (about 8,046 km) from the Ukrainian border. In another video filmed at Sergeyevka, a speaker in Yakut can be heard saying, “Look, our North Korean allies have arrived. They’re impressive people,” adding, “Maybe they could even end the war.”

Ukrainian military intelligence estimates that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops, including three generals, have been deployed to Russia, with some already reported in Kursk. Satellite imagery provided by Maxar Technologies shows heightened activity at Russian military training grounds in recent weeks. Sergeyevka, in particular, has seen significant changes since early September, with ground excavation, construction of new facilities, and an influx of military vehicles. By October 7th, additional equipment had been observed in staging areas.

Mercenary expert Sean McFate informed The Washington Post that although the Sergeyevka base was previously closed, its location and size make it suitable for training the suddenly increased number of North Korean troops. McFate explained that it is typical for new units to train together before deployment. In this instance, North Korean soldiers are likely being instructed in Russian combat and communication methods. He remarked that they are being integrated into the “Russian warfare machine.”