Ukrainian officials claim that North Korean engineers are already in occupied territory, overseeing the use Pyongyang’s weapons. Some of these personnel were reportedly killed in action, highlighting the direct involvement of North Korean troops.
An anonymous Ukrainian military intelligence official told The Washington Post, that “several thousands” of North Korean infantry soldiers were currently training in Russia, and could be deployed into Ukraine by the end of the year.
The prolonged war has drained Russia of its military equipment and ammunition reserves, forcing it to rely on countries such as North Korea for artillery shells and missiles. North Korea is said to have sent over 1.5million artillery shells from their 1970s and 1980s stockpiles to Russia.
According to the Washington Post, the official also added that North Korean officers were already present in Russian occupied parts of Ukraine for observation and study of the battlefield.
Kim Yong-hyun, South Korean Defense Minister, described reports that North Korean troops were assisting Russia as “highly probable” during a National Assembly Meeting.
“Russia and North Korea are in a kind of military alliance. It is therefore highly likely that North Korea will send more troops,” he said.
Cha Du-hyeogn explains that North Korea’s weapons, while largely based upon outdated Soviet-era designs have been modified to the point where they require on-site assistance. Cha is a former South Korean advisor for intelligence and a current analyst at Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
Cha suggests that Pyongyang could be supplying more complex systems, such as armored vehicles and missiles. Multiple rocket launchers would also require hands-on supervision.
This military support comes after a mutual defence pact that was signed by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in June 2024. The agreement strengthened the partnership between two countries that have been heavily sanctioned.
The Kremlin dismissed the claims of North Korean military personnel stationed in Ukraine as “a hoax,” but a Ukrainian military intelligence official confirmed that a recent missile attack resulted in the deaths of North Korean officers who were integrated with Russian forces.
According to Ukrainian intelligence sources, a missile strike by Ukraine near Donetsk City killed 20 Russian soldiers on 3 October, including six North Korean officers. These North Korean officers allegedly met with their Russian counterparts. This could indicate increased foreign involvement by Russia in the Ukraine War.
Early in 2024, the UN confirmed that missile debris from attacks against Kharkiv were of North Korean origin. This was confirmed by arms experts. Since then, Russia is using at least 20 weapons made in North Korea against Ukraine. This has caused civilian deaths and injuries.
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