**North Korean Troops Fight Alongside Russians in Ukraine**
More than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have moved from eastern Russia to combat positions in Kursk Oblast. This is according to US State Department officials.
These North Korean troops are now fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast. This information comes from separate confirmations from South Korean and US intelligence sources.
**North Korean Troops Deployed for Combat**
The story about North Korean troops engaged in the Russian army started in October when Ukrainian intelligence reported that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers were training in eastern Russia for potential combat operations against Ukraine. Later, South Korean intelligence and Western intelligence confirmed Russia’s preparation of North Korean special forces for deployment in Ukraine.
**US State Department and US Intelligence Confirm**
On November 12, US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that “over 10,000 North Korean troops” initially deployed to eastern Russia before moving to western Kursk Oblast. He also added that they have begun engaging in combat operations with Russian forces.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) had previously assessed the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast on November 5, based on reports from Ukrainian intelligence and statements by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
**US Calls for Strong Response**
US Congressman Mike Turner said that the US and NATO should allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia in response to North Korean troop deployment. The Pentagon also announced that Ukraine would face no new restrictions on using US-supplied weapons against North Korean forces if they engage in combat operations against Ukrainian troops.
**North Korea Supplies Russia with Ammunition**
Except for soldiers, North Korea has supplied Moscow with at least 11,000 containers of ammunition, including approximately two million artillery rounds since 2023.