Around 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, preparing to join the conflict against Ukraine in the coming days, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on October 31.
This update followed a Washington meeting between the U.S. and South Korean defense and foreign ministers.
According to Blinken, “Current estimates place about 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with 8,000 now deployed in the Kursk region.”
While the U.S. has yet to see direct evidence of North Korean involvement in combat, Blinken added, “We expect that to change over the next few days.”
He stated that Russia is training these North Korean soldiers in artillery, drone operations, and infantry tactics, signaling a likely role on the front lines.
If these troops engage in combat against Ukraine, Blinken affirmed, “They will become legitimate military targets.”
Ukrainian intelligence first recorded North Korean troops in Kursk on October 23.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR MOU) of Ukraine noted that North Korean soldiers are training at five military sites in eastern Russia, including the "Baranovsky," "Donguz," and "Ekaterinoslavsky" grounds, as well as the 248th and 249th ranges.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s intelligence, North Korea is receiving money and nuclear technology from Russia in exchange for its military support.
Following confirmation of North Korean involvement, Ukraine plans to officially request military aid from South Korea.
On October 30, Ukrainian and South Korean officials agreed to strengthen communication at all levels in response to North Korea’s participation in the war on Russia’s side.
