North Korean troops may bolster Russian forces as Ukraine warns of heightened threat
Ukraine and intelligence agencies say North Korea could deploy up to 50,000 more soldiers to Russia, while its missiles have been launched from Russian territory.
In late 2024, North Korea sent roughly 14,000-15,000 troops to defend Russia’s Kursk area, according to international estimates. Ukrainian and allied intelligence now believes a further contingent of 30,000-50,000 soldiers may be dispatched to Russia, and that North Korean ballistic missiles have already been launched from Russian territory. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that this growing combat experience could threaten both Ukraine and the Asia-Pacific region.
Analysts suggest the new troops would secure Russian border zones and allow Russian forces to redeploy about 15,000 soldiers to active fronts such as Vovchansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, or Chernihiv, though they are not expected to operate inside Ukraine. Military observers note Russia’s own recruitment remains robust, casting doubt on the necessity of foreign troops, while missile supplies continue to shape the conflict’s dynamics.
Why it matters
The possible influx of North Korean soldiers and missiles could alter the balance of forces in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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