According to Ukrainian intelligence shared with The Financial Times, around 3,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Ukraine’s border.
The deployment includes several hundred special forces, with the rest being regular soldiers, sources say.
U.S. intelligence estimates suggest that the total number of North Korean troops in Russia could reach up to 10,000, while Ukraine places the figure closer to 12,000.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia on Oct. 28, noting recent intelligence suggesting a few soldiers might already be active in Ukraine.
However, Ukrainian intelligence officials are skeptical about the combat readiness of these troops, citing communication barriers between the North Korean and Russian forces.
In response to these developments, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has urged China to use its influence over North Korea to discourage further involvement in the war.
A South Korean delegation is expected to meet with Ukrainian officials later this week to discuss shared intelligence and potential countermeasures.
