Has North Korea Sent Thousands of Soldiers to Russia?

According to Ukrainian intelligence, approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are undergoing training in eastern regions of Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.

The head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, told The War Zone that these troops will be ready to engage in military operations as early as November 1. Budanov stated that the DPRK’s infantry forces will utilize Russian equipment and ammunition.

The first unit, consisting of 2,600 soldiers, is expected to be sent to Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have intruded and will assist the Russian side in pushing back opposing forces.

According to the intelligence chief, it is still unclear where the remaining North Korean troops will be deployed. “At this moment, we do not have the complete picture,” Budanov's remarks were quoted by The War Zone.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a press conference in Brussels that North Korea plans to send a total of 10,000 soldiers to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.