3,000 North Korean Soldiers Sent to Russia, 10,000 More Expected by December, South Korean Intel Reports

Approximately 3,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to have been deployed to Russia to support its ongoing war in Ukraine, with an estimated 10,000 more expected to be sent by December.

This was reported by Yonhap News Agency, citing South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Earlier, NIS stated that North Korea already deployed 1,500 special forces troops to Russia. 

On October 14, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referenced intelligence reports indicating North Korea's de facto involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, stated on October 23 in Rome that there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, marking the first public confirmation from the US in response to multiple reports from Ukraine and South Korea.