Around 2,000 North Korean soldiers currently in Russia are reportedly moving westward toward the country’s border with Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources cited by Japanese agency Kyodo.
Already Stationed in Kursk
The North Korean presence marks an unusual development in the ongoing conflict, as North Korean military support for Russia could escalate tensions in the region, according to Ziare.
Ten North Korean military officers are reportedly already stationed in Russia’s Kursk province, an area where Ukrainian forces recently reclaimed territory following a surprise offensive in August.
According to reports, this advance team of officers is tasked with setting up a base for incoming North Korean troops, assessing security conditions, and establishing a communications network in the region.
Exact Role Remains Unknown
Ukraine has tracked the movements of these North Korean soldiers using satellite intelligence from allied nations, intercepts of Russian military communications, and information from sources within the Russian military itself.
The exact role these troops will play is yet to be fully understood, but their presence near the Ukraine border signals growing collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow.
In response, South Korea, a close ally of the United States, has announced it will “more flexibly” consider supplying weapons to Ukraine.
This announcement on October 24 comes as Seoul evaluates its stance on military assistance, especially in light of North Korean involvement on behalf of Russia.
If confirmed, the movement could lead to a stronger international response as Ukraine and its allies strategize to counter this evolving threat.
