First Units of North Korean Soldiers Arrive in the Combat Zone in Russia's Kursk Region, Says Ukrainian Intel

The first units of North Korean soldiers, who trained at eastern Russian training grounds, have already arrived in the combat zone of the Russian-Ukrainian war, with their presence recorded in Russia's Kursk region on October 23, 2024.

According to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), the training of the North Korean soldiers took place at five military ranges in eastern Russia: "Baranovskyi" (Ussuriysk), "Donguz" (Ulan-Ude), "Yekaterinoslavskyi" (Yekaterinislavka), the 248th (Knyaz-Volkonskoye), and the 249th (Sergeyevka).

The coordination of these North Korean troops, which Russia intends to deploy in the war against Ukraine, is expected to take several weeks.

According to estimates from HUR, the number of North Korean military personnel transferred to Russia is currently around 12,000, including 500 officers, among them three generals from Pyongyang.

On October 14, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referencedintelligence 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.