This assessment is partly based on recent reports from South Korea, which indicated that Pyongyang might send additional troops to Russia as early as July or August.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to significantly ramp up its military support for Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials claiming Pyongyang may soon send tens of thousands of additional troops to the front lines.
According to an intelligence assessment cited by CNN and attributed to unnamed Ukrainian officials, North Korea plans to deploy between 25,000 and 30,000 more soldiers in the coming months—possibly as early as July or August. This would add to the estimated 11,000 North Korean troops already operating in Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine since late 2024.
South Korean sources have also flagged signs of increased North Korean involvement, reinforcing Ukraine’s claim that a large-scale troop deployment is imminent. Western intelligence agencies estimate that approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have died since the initial deployment.
Ukraine reports that another 3,000 troops have already been rotated in this year to replace casualties. Ukrainian defense officials believe that Russia is well-equipped to integrate North Korean forces into its ranks, with ample weapons, ammunition, and infrastructure in place.
Reinforcements Aimed at Bolstering Russian Offensives
Ukrainian military analysts believe these new North Korean troops will be used to reinforce Russian positions and support offensive operations in occupied Ukrainian territory.
The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency has observed signs that Russian military aircraft are being modified to transport large numbers of foreign soldiers across Siberia. This effort is reportedly supported by satellite images showing activity at both Russia’s Dunai port and North Korea’s Sunan airport. A ship previously associated with last year’s deployment has also reappeared in Russian waters, raising further alarms.
“Satellite imagery from May and June shows a clear uptick in preparations,” said Joe Byrne, a senior analyst with the Open Source Centre, in an interview with CNN. “We’re seeing troop transport aircraft in Sunan and increased movement near Russian staging areas.”
Kyiv: North Korea Risking Internal Fallout
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed concern that Kim Jong Un may be jeopardizing his own regime by sending elite North Korean forces to a high-casualty war zone. “Exposing your best-trained troops to intense frontline combat in a foreign war is a dangerous gamble,” Umerov said.
“Russia’s increasing reliance on North Korean soldiers underscores not only its dependence on authoritarian allies but also deep cracks in its own mobilization efforts. Together with our partners, we are closely tracking these developments and preparing appropriate responses.”
Fake IDs and Isolated Command Structures
Captured documents recovered from deceased or arrested North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region revealed they were issued falsified Russian identity papers, presumably to mask their nationality and avoid international scrutiny.
However, one captured soldier reportedly told Ukrainian interrogators that North Korean units typically operate independently, coordinating with Russian forces only at a high-command level. This suggests limited tactical integration on the battlefield.
Military Pact Tightens Ties Between Authoritarian Powers
In 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a sweeping defense pact mandating mutual military assistance if either nation is attacked. It also outlines cooperation against Western sanctions and promotes joint military initiatives.
Evidence has already emerged that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with not only troops but also weapons and construction materials—including ballistic missiles reportedly used in attacks on Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv.
What North Korea receives in return for this military support remains unclear. Some experts speculate that Pyongyang may be receiving food aid, oil, or sensitive military technologies, including potential nuclear know-how—though no conclusive proof has surfaced to support these claims.
As Moscow deepens its alliance with Pyongyang, Ukraine and its allies are bracing for a new phase in the war—one that could see even more aggressive and unconventional tactics on the battlefield.
